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Six Civilians Killed in Helmand
[Tolo News] A roadside mine kaboom in Helmand has killed six civilians and maimed three more yesterday, local officials say.

The kaboom occurred in Sangeen district yesterday afternoon when a passenger vehicle hit a roadside mine, according to a statement released by the Helmand Governor's media office.

The statement adds that all those killed and maimed in the incident are from one family. Women and children are also among the victims.

The maimed are being treated in a medical facility and some of them are reported to be at death's door.

No group including the Taliban have commented on the incident yet.

Helmand, where British troops are stationed, is considered one of the strongholds of Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan and Sangeen district is one of the most volatile areas in the province.

Improvised Explosive Devices are usually used to target Afghana and foreign forces, but civilians are often the vicitims of such kabooms. Afghan and foreign forces have escalated their counter-insurgency efforts recently to pave the ground for gradual security transition to Afghans.
Posted by: Fred 2011-01-17
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=314059