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2 US Officers Killed Inside Afghan Ministry

Violence continues after burning of Korans

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 25, 2012 7:25 AM CST | Updated Feb 25, 2012 10:45 AM CST

(Newser) – Two US military officers were shot to death inside the interior ministry building in Kabul today, reports CNN. The Taliban claimed responsibility, saying the killings were in retaliation for the burning of Korans by US troops, notes AP. It's still not clear exactly what happened, but Afghan authorities say it looks like "an individual" inside the building turned his weapon on the military advisers, identified as a colonel and a major. The shootings prompted the top US commander in Afghanistan to recall all NATO personnel from Afghan ministries, adds the Washington Post.

"The perpetrator of this attack is a coward whose actions will not go unanswered," said Marine Gen. John Allen. A Western official identified the shooter, who is still at large, as an Afghan police officer upset with the Koran burning, reports the Wall Street Journal. Today marks the fifth straight day of protests on that front: Two other US troops were shot to death earlier this week.

Afghan policemen head toward an anti-U.S. demonstration east of Kabul Saturday. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Afghans burn tires during an anti-U.S. demonstration over burning of Korans south of Kabul on Saturday. (AP Photo/Obaid Ormur)

A U.S. military convoy enters the Afghan Interior Ministry in Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)

An Afghan policeman calms down a protestor during an anti-U.S. demonstration in Kunduz, north of Kabul. (AP Photo/Ezatullah Pamir)

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2 US Officers Killed Inside Afghan Ministry

Violence continues after burning of Korans

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