Canadians vigilant as three more NATO soldiers killed by Afghan troops

OTTAWA – Three more NATO soldiers have been killed in what is fast becoming an epidemic of Afghan soldiers — often insurgents in disguise — attacking their western mentors.

Today’s attack, which occurred in southern Afghanistan, brings to 45 the number of NATO troops who’ve died this year in so-called “green-on-blue” shootings.

Published reports in the U.S. say American soldiers throughout the country have taken to arming themselves inside camps against the elusive, unexpected threat.

However, Col. Greg Smith, the deputy commander of the Canadian training mission, says his 950 soldiers and trainers have not received similar orders.

Smith says statistics compiled by NATO show some of the attacks by genuinely disgruntled Afghan soldiers have resulted from them taking offence, either to their treatment or the social behaviour of western soldiers.

Smith says the self-deprecating Canadian style has resulted in less tension with Afghans.