A suicide car bomber struck yesterday at the gates of Jalalabad airport in eastern part of the country, killing nine people and injuring several others. Right after the attack, Taliban claimed the responsibility, saying the attack was revenge against those soldiers who burned holy Koran. The NATO forces spokesman, Capt. Justin Brockhoff, said that no international forces were killed in the attack, while Zabihullah Mojaheed alleged that the car suicide bombers denoted his explosives exactly when international forces were changing from night to morning guard duty.
Attacks against foreign forces have increased tremendously during past few days when Koran burning in the Bagram airfield came to light. In two separate incidents, four Americans lost lives as the two of them were shot dead in the Nangarhar province by Afghan soldier joining protestors. The two other officers were found dead in their office inside the ministry of interior. It is still not clear who were behind the incident but police are searching for a man reportedly to be a driver staying on the same floor where American officers were killed.
On the other hand, Taliban claimed the responsibility, saying an insurgent sympathizer named Abdul Rahman killed them in retaliation to desecration of Bagram airfield. Moreover, on Sunday, Feb. 26, seven U.S. military trainers were wounded when a grenade was thrown at their base in the north.
These series of attacks show how the country has become insecure for foreign employees. NATO has already called out their staffs working in ministries in and around Kabul city for the security precaution. Anti-US demonstration has already taken more 30 lives, and apologies and Karzai's efforts have not yet quelled protestors.
The situation gets horrifying as there are reports about deep sympathy among Afghan soldiers and police with protestors. Two attacks carried out by Afghan fellow against American forces within a week show the extent of problems Afghan government and foreign allies would face in the future, combating al-Qaeda and Taliban-led militants.
Several countries have already pulled out their citizens working in Afghan ministries, taking them to safer places. It is not clear when the situation gets normal and they would resume their post for helping Afghan agencies. In brief, the consequence of the unfortunate incident goes for beyond days of violent protests and demonstrations.