Statement on Recent Insurgent Attacks

ISAF Joint Command
By Kevin P. Bell

07.05.2010  KABUL- Recent reports continue to show the true nature of the insurgents and their total disregard for human life and the Afghan people.

In the Shindand district of Herat province today, reports indicate a motorcycle-borne suicide bomber detonated himself outside a school wounding three civilians, including two women.

The reports of the recent abduction and execution of Afghan civilians supporting

the government by insurgents in Khost province is another example of callous crimes against the Afghan people.

"This violence once again exemplifies the insurgents' desire to hinder the development of the government of Afghanistan," said Navy Capt. Jane Campbell, ISAF Joint Command spokesperson. "The insurgents continue to offer only death and destruction."

The United Nations recently issued a report that stated insurgents follow up their threats against the civilian population with, on average, seven assassinations every week. This constitutes a 45 percent increase compared to the same period in 2009. The same UN report stated suicide attacks occur at a rate of approximately three per week.

In contrast to insurgent actions, Afghan National Security Forces have provided assistance to the affected people, and ISAF remains committed to its mission to partner with ANSF to serve the people of Afghanistan.