Gunmen open fire on French peacekeepers in Kabul

Gunmen opened fire on French peacekeepers patrolling the Afghan capital of Kabul, slightly injuring one soldier, a peacekeeper said today.

French peacekeepers returned fire during the attack near the Kabul airport yesterday evening, shooting off 70 to 80 rounds, said Captain Serge Khun, spokesman for the 18-nation, 4,500-strong international peacekeeping force responsible for security in Kabul.

Four men believed to have participated in the attack escaped, Capt Khun said.

The International Security Assistance Force has been the target of several shootings and a recent rocket attack. It was not clear who was behind yesterday’s attack.

Authorities have blamed previous attacks on criminals and people seeking to disrupt Afghanistan’s political process ahead of a loya jirga, or national council, that will choose a new transitional government in June.

Capt Khun said only one of the four alleged assailants was seen firing a weapon, which he said was probably an AK-47-type assault rifle.

A French soldier was slightly injured in the leg by fragments during the shooting, and was taken to a French medical facility in Kabul. He was later released and resumed his peacekeeping duties.