Stress, not rebels, behind attacks on troops: ISAF

KABUL) official said on Monday.

Personal grudges, battle stress and domestic concerns were the major reasons behind Afghan security personnel’s attacks on their foreign counterparts, a spokesman for the NATO-led force said.

ISAF spokesman Carsten Jacobson told a news conference in Kabul the soldiers were killed in 10 attacks that took place in various parts of the country.

Defence analysts say the green-on-blue attacks suggest that either Afghan forces have turned against ISAF servicemembers or the Taliban fighters have infiltrated their ranks.

But the NATO spokesman believed: “Mostly reasons for attacks lie in the individual. Personal reasons, personal grievances are one of the major causes.”

Afghan counter-intelligence agents are being included local police and army units, a move aimed at preventing disgruntled or distressed personnel from assaulting international troops, he explained.

While calling for keeping an eye on Afghan security personnel, Jacobson went on to suggest: “A soldier returning from leave has to be watched for changes in his behaviour. Similarly, a soldier who hasn’t been on leave for a long time has to be observed.”

He said the attacks were neither linked nor part of a coordinated effort by the insurgents. Joint efforts were being made to control the situation that had also affected Afghan soldiers, he added.

“Such cases affect both Afghan and foreign troops. To prevent them, the leadership level should be strengthened and family problems of soldiers studied,” the spokesman continued.

mm/mud

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