ISAF soldier, contractor killed in rebel fire

KABUL) said on Sunday.

“What was initially reported to have been a suspected insider attack is now understood to possibly have involved insurgent fire. The incident occurred while an ISAF unit was manning a temporary checkpoint in an area near an Afghan National Army unit,” the alliance added.

After a short conversation between ANA and ISAF personnel, firing occurred, resulting in the fatal wounding of a foreign soldier and the death of his civilian colleague. In an ensuing fire exchange, three ANA personnel died.

“We deeply regret the loss of life in this tragic incident. Our deepest sympathies are with the families of our personnel who were killed,” the statement added.

Shahidullah Shahid, a spokesman for the Maidan Wardak governor, said the attack took place in the Sisay area of the Taliban-dominated Syedabad district.

The shooting was triggered by harsh exchanges during a joint operation in the district, Shahid said. ISAF and Afghan army personnel are investigating the incident.

pr/mud