NATO forces stop joint patrols after insider attacks
Reuters
2012-09-18
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No more joint patrols with Afghan forces --- this was the announcement from NATO commanders in Kabul.
SOUNDBITE: Colonel Thomas Collins, NATO Director of Public Affairs saying:
"We just thought that would be smartest on a temporary basis to reduce the amount of exposure of our troops in certain areas."
They're trying to curb an alarming spike in attacks on foreign military by the very Afghan soldiers and police they've agreed to train.
At least 51 NATO personnel have been killed in so called 'insider attacks -- which are up more than 40 percent compared to last year.
Rage over the film "Innocence of Muslims" also factored into the decision.
Colonel Thomas Collins.
SOUNDBITE: Colonel Thomas Collins, NATO Director of Public Affairs saying:
"We did very thorough assessment, we looked at where we are right now with this video being out (anti-Islam video) and some heightened tension.
Commanders are also scrambling to contain the damage to troop morale after two insider attacks over the weekend. Collins says the move is only temporary and that they'll still provide air support for medevac missions.
No more joint patrols with Afghan forces --- this was the announcement from NATO commanders in Kabul.
SOUNDBITE: Colonel Thomas Collins, NATO Director of Public Affairs saying:
"We just thought that would be smartest on a temporary basis to reduce the amount of exposure of our troops in certain areas."
They're trying to curb an alarming spike in attacks on foreign military by the very Afghan soldiers and police they've agreed to train.
At least 51 NATO personnel have been killed in so called 'insider attacks -- which are up more than 40 percent compared to last year.
Rage over the film "Innocence of Muslims" also factored into the decision.
Colonel Thomas Collins.
SOUNDBITE: Colonel Thomas Collins, NATO Director of Public Affairs saying:
"We did very thorough assessment, we looked at where we are right now with this video being out (anti-Islam video) and some heightened tension.
Commanders are also scrambling to contain the damage to troop morale after two insider attacks over the weekend. Collins says the move is only temporary and that they'll still provide air support for medevac missions.
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