KABUL, May 29 (Xinhua) -- A chaos-like situation is going on in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Monday as thousands of angry protesters are on the rampage in the heavily fortified city where thousands of U.S.-dominated foreign troops are stationed.
The protestors opposing against rude behavior of the U.S. soldiers and government's failure to ensure their security have so far stormed and set ablaze a number of public and private properties including Kabul Municipality and the five star Serena Hotel.
It is the first time since the fall of Taliban regime by the U.S. military nearly five years ago that the peaceful Afghan capital is facing such turmoil.
Monday's incident, which began from a road accident between a U.S. military Humvee and Afghan civilians' cars, according to U.S. military spokesperson, has claimed the life of one civilian and wounded six others.
On the other hand, the locals in Sarai Shamali where the fatal incident occurred said that the road accident caused by U.S. troops and firing by Americans and Afghan police have left over 30 dead and wounded nearly 100 others.
To register their anger, thousands of angry people took to the streets and began attacking government and private buildings.
The protestors set on fire offices of several non-governmental organizations including the western air agency the Care International, AIMS and the popular western guesthouse the Peter Guest House at down town Kabul.
They also set on fire several vehicles including one GMC from the Americans in the city.
Currently hundreds of protesters equipped with sticks and stones are storming the main office of the private television channel the Aryana while hundreds of others are rushing towards parliament building where the lawmakers are in session.
Speaker of the Woelsi Jirga or National Assembly Mohammad Yunus Qanooni in his speech urged people to exercise restraint while authorities at Aryana television calling on Interior and Defense Ministry to send security personnel and help save their property.
Almost all the markets have been shut down and several shops including one of a Chinese citizen have been damaged. Enditem |