Finnish peacekeepers come close to being ambushed in Afghanistan
Gunmen open fire on Afghans patrolling with Finnish soldiers
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A group of Finnish peacekeeping soldiers came close to being ambushed by an armed group near the city of Maimana in Afghanistan on Wednesday at around noon local time. The Finns took cover, and none of them were injured.
Seven Finnish peacekeepers were patrolling the area of Kunda Sang, 20 kilometres from Maimana, with a platoon of Afghan soldiers. Three American trainers were also on the patrol.
According to initial reports, a group of 10-15 attackers opened fire on the Afghan soldiers. Kimmo Salomaa, the commander of the international division of the Finnish Defence Staff, says that automatic weapons and possibly a rocket launcher were used in the attack.
"This was clearly an ambush, where the Finns were fortunately not too close, and were not targeted," he says.
Five Finns took cover about half a kilometre away from the shooting. The two other Finns were a kilometre away, interviewing local villagers with the help of an interpreter.
"The Finns were not in danger. Of course it is possible for a ricochet to reach 500 metres," Salomaa points out.
The Finns were not involved in the gun battle, which lasted about half an hour.
The attackers were able to retreat after the attack, and there is no record of their possible casualties. The Defence Staff did not know who was behind the attack on Wednesday. No group has claimed responsibility.
The Finnish patrol is part of a group of officers working in the Maimana area. They are part of the NATO-led ISAF peacekeeping operation. There are about 90 Finnish peacekeepers in Afghanistan. The work of Finnish peacekeepers remains unchanged by the attack.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 26.1.2006 - TODAY |
 Finnish peacekeepers come close to being ambushed in Afghanistan
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