Wednesday, August 27, 2008

French troops in Afghanistan
by Livia Cseresova

Two of the biggest attacks in a long time were recently mounted by insurgents in Afghanistan on Western forces. During the attacks, ten French soldiers were killed and a group of suicide bombers was sent to attack a U.S. base near the Pakistan border. These strikes might suggest that assaults may be later launched on U.S. and NATO troops.

According to NATO and U.S. officials just few months ago militants got scared of large-scale assaults because of significant losses they might have. Some militant groups now, though, seem to be ready to give a lot of foot soldiers attacks attempting to devastate groups of NATO and U.S. troops.

As NATO statement claims, militants were confronted by Afghan and U.S. forces about 1,000 yards from the base entrance. During that, fighter aircraft attacked from the air. When surrounded, three suicide bombers blew themselves up a three were shot to death. Two NATO soldiers were injured and one more militant was killed also.

On Monday, when the French soldiers were attacked, they were on an investigating mission. 21 of French soldiers were injured. French Defense Minister Herve Morin claims that about 30 militants were killed and 30 wounded. But Afghan officials said that at least 13 militants were killed.

This attack was the deadliest one on the international troops in Afghanistan since June 2005. Then, 16 American soldiers were killed when their helicopter was shot down by a grenade.

Nicolas Sarkozy, the president of France immediately boarded a plane to Afghanistan. This month, 700 more soldiers were sent to Afghanistan. Sarkozy said that “In its fight against terrorism, France has just been struck severely. My determination remains intact. “

The number of France’s force in Afghanistan is now 2,600. And the deaths of soldiers were the highest for the country since 2004, when there were assaults in Bouake, Ivory Coast.

According to foreign minister of the country, “France will continue to assume its responsibilities in favor of a democratic and peaceful Afghanistan, and in the fight against terrorism. “

by Livia Cseresova
for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

PocketNews is a new real-time news broadcaster delivering the latest and hottest news right to your pocket ! With global clients who want to be kept up to date, PocketNews is everyone's way of keeping in touch with the World.<br><br><font size=2>These news are original content from young talents around the world and are selected for you by Chris Cantell.</font><br>



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