The death toll of Nato troops being killed by Afghans in uniform has now reached 18 this year. -File Photo

KABUL: A man in an Afghan army uniform opened fire on Nato allies, killing one soldier before being shot dead, the Nato-led force in Afghanistan said Thursday.

“An individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform turned his weapon against coalition service members in southern Afghanistan late yesterday, killing one service member,” Nato's International Security Assistance force (ISAF) said.

“The individual who opened fire was killed when coalition forces returned fire,” an ISAF statement said, adding that the nationality of the dead Nato soldier would be released in his home country.

The shooting is the latest in a series of similar incidents in which Afghan soldiers have turned their weapons against Nato troops helping the Afghan government fight an insurgency by hardline Taliban militants.

The death takes the toll of foreign troops killed by Afghans they were working with to 18 this year -- including seven Americans and five French trainers -- in 11 separate attacks.

ISAF, which is training Afghans to take over responsibility for security for the whole country by the end of 2014 when foreign troops pull out, has said the deaths sap spirits among its troops.

“Although the incidents are small in number we are aware of the gravity they have as an effect on morale,” ISAF spokesman Brigadier General Carsten Jacobson said in Kabul earlier this month.

“Every single incident has an out-of-proportion effect on morale and that goes for coalition forces as it goes for Afghan national security forces.”

Some of the attacks are claimed by the Taliban, who say they have infiltrated Afghan army ranks, but many are attributed to cultural differences and antagonism between the allied forces.

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

FORMER first lady Bushra Bibi’s video address to PTI followers has triggered a firestorm. Her assertion implying...
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...