Terrorists Kill Three Afghan Civilians, Wound Six

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2006 – Two separate terrorist attacks yesterday left three Afghan civilians dead and six others wounded, U.S. military officials reported today. A makeshift bomb placed under a bridge in Paktia province was detonated as two passenger vehicles passed above. The blast killed two Afghans and wounded five others. Elsewhere, extremists attacked two Afghan civilian trucks in Ghazni province, killing the driver of one truck and wounding the other. The wounded driver was taken to Ghazni hospital for treatment. "These unprovoked attacks against civilians are criminal," U.S. Army Lt. Col. Paul Fitzpatrick, Combined Joint Task Force 76 spokesman, said. "They will only reinforce the coalition's commitment to helping the Afghan people live a peaceful life free of this type of senseless violence."

Afghan National Police officials are investigating both incidents. Also, a coalition vehicle driving from Bagram to Ghazni today was involved in a motor vehicle accident about seven kilometers north of Kabul. Initial reports indicate the accident occurred when a coalition tow truck attempted to avoid hitting a civilian motorcyclist that suddenly slowed down in front of the truck. The coalition vehicle hit the motorcycle and flipped over into a 15-foot embankment.
Reports indicate there were injuries at the scene, including the possible death of a child.
Coalition officials are investigating the accident and cooperating with Afghan authorities, U.S. officials in Afghanistan said. "This is a tragic accident, and we deeply regret any deaths or injuries resulting from this incident," Fitzpatrick said.