UP Ibalon Bicol: Taliban steps up violence as election draws near in Afghanistan

Taliban steps up violence as election draws near in Afghanistan

8/19/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Trying to thwart the election scheduled on Thursday, August 20, 2009, Taliban forces increased their campaign of violence in the capital city of Kabul in Afghanistan killing at least 8 people and leaving about 50 wounded. Two Afghan staff of the United Nations and one foreign soldier were among the latest casualties.

A suicide bomber directed an explosive-bearing vehicle in a busy highway. Missiles were fired close to the presidential palace and defense ministry. In Uruzgan province, an insurgent attacked a polling station, leaving four Afghan soldiers and two civilians dead.

“For the election, some 300,000 Afghan and international troops and police officers, are tasked with protecting 29,000 polling stations, with what the government describes as a four-tier ring of security.”---Voice of America (08/18/09, Herman, S.)

Dubbed as "a day of peace, the election is expected to allow about 80% of electorates to cast their votes. A huge electoral participation will help in bringing unity, curtail corruption and reconciliation among warring ethnic groups. The Afghan government and international security forces have prepared for more attacks on election day.(Photo Credit tanweer1) =0=

===========================================================

Labels: Afghanistan, casualty, election, Kabul, killings, security, suicide bombing, Taliban, Totie Mesia

UP Ibalon Bicol

Taliban steps up violence as election draws near in Afghanistan

Blog Archive

About Me

UP Ibalon Newsmakers

Topics/Categories

Feedjit Live Blog Stats

Topics/Categories

Featured

Ateneo de Naga HS Batch 74

ABS-CBN News

Recent Posts

GMA News.tv

Philippine Commentary

Inquirer Breaking News