Kabul Suicide Attack Kills Six Italian Soldiers, 10 Afghan Civilians
By VOA News
17 September 2009
A suicide bomber struck an Italian military convoy in the Afghan capital, Kabul, Thursday, killing at least six Italian soldiers and 10 civilians.
Officials say a car loaded with explosives struck two vehicles carrying Italian paratroopers along the airport road near the U.S. embassy.
The blast wounded 52 civilians and four Italian soldiers.
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Italy's Defense Minister, Ignazio La Russa, said Italy would continue its mission in Afghanistan despite the bombing. About 2,800 Italian soldiers are deployed in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led force. A total of 21 Italian soldiers have died in the country since 2004.
In other violence, a NATO soldier died after being wounded in a bombing in southern Afghanistan Wednesday.
Violence has risen steadily in Afghanistan in recent years as the Taliban has fought to extend its control. This year is already the deadliest since the U.S. toppled the Taliban in 2001.
The U.S. military and NATO have deployed a record number of troops to try to help Afghan forces crush the insurgency.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
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