LOC15:30
12:30 GMT
KABUL, Aug 27 (KUNA) -- A roadside bomb killed a soldier of the
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in southern Afghanistan as the
multinational force released the guidelines issued by its top commander to
his troops in the country.
A spokesperson for the American troops in Afghanistan confirmed that the
slain soldier belonged to the US troops.
The service member was killed on Thursday while on patrol in southern
Afghanistan, said the spokesperson who did not disclose the exact location.
The ISAF patrol was first struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
and then attacked by insurgents with small arms fire. The patrol responded to
the attack but a service-member was killed in the engagement.
Meanwhile, the ISAF press office released the counter-insurgency guidance
issued by ISAF commander General Stanley McChrystal to his forces on August 26.
"Protecting the people is the mission," said the general, who explained
that the conflict in Afghanistan would be won by gaining the support of the
population, not by destroying the enemy.
In his guidance, McChrystal directed his forces to change their
conventional mindsets and outlines the path to success through earning the
trust of the Afghan people, partnering with the Afghan forces, building
governance and accountability, and improving and adapting operations to local
conditions.
The counter-insurgency guidance calls for getting Afghans involved as
active participants in the success of their communities and continues ISAFs
focus on protecting civilians and operating in a manner that is respectful and
mindful of Afghan culture. (end)
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KUNA 271530 Aug 09NNNN