2 British Peacekeepers Shot Dead in Kabul - 2002-08-17

Two British soldiers on peacekeeping duty in Afghanistan have been killed in the capital, Kabul. Officials say enemy forces were not involved in the incident that took place at the city's airport.

The commander of the British forces in Kabul (Colonel Simon Levey) says two service personnel died of gunshot wounds early today (Saturday).

He said no one else was involved in the incident, but declined to provide further information about the identity of the victims or circumstances of their death, saying family members are being notified, and an investigation is under way.

Four hundred British troops are part of a 20-nation International Security Assistance Force in Kabul that has maintained peace in the Afghan capital. The five-thousand-strong force was established after the downfall of the Taleban late last year.