http://www.cfc-a.centcom.mil

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The Ghazni Minister of Information and police chief hosted a news conference July 15 to discuss the murder of Zahra Madadi. Madadi was kidnapped by Taliban extremists July 11. Her body was found dumped near the Village of Nougai , south of Ghazni city July 13.

A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the murder, falsely accusing her of misconduct by associating with Coalition forces at the Ghazni PRT, said Chief of Police General Tasfir Khan Khogiani.

Two days ago, police recovered the body of Madadi in the Village of Nougai , said Tasfir. The police took the body to the Ghazni Hospital . Following the investigation into the cause of death, the body was returned to the family.

Zahra’s sister, Arifa Madadi is a provincial counsel member and the Taliban’s attempt to discredit Arifa and her family may have been the motive in the murder, said Col. Thomas Collins, Combined Forces Command – Afghanistan spokesman.

Ghazni police continue their investigation into the murder. Zarha, 23 years old, worked with the Refugees and Returnee Affairs Department and attended school at night.

Zahra Madadi had no contact with Americans, added Tasfir.

“The Ghazni PRT and I regret the death of Zahra Madadi,” said Salim, the PRT Cultural Specialist. “As Gen. Tafseer has stated, she has never had any contact with members of the PRT.”

Anyone with information that would lead to the arrest of Zahra’s murders should contact the Ghazni Police.

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MEN WEARING BURKAS SHOOT AFGHAN CIVILIANS
Release Date: 7/16/2006
Release Number: 06-07-01PE

COMBINED FORCES COMMAND – AFGHANISTAN COALITION PRESS INFORMATION CENTER KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

http://www.cfc-a.centcom.mil/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KABUL , Afghanistan - Two Afghan civilians were killed and one civilian injured in a drive-by shooting July 15 in Zambar in Khowst Province .

The attack was conducted by three individuals disguised as women who were wearing burkas and driving in a Toyota Corolla.

The Afghan civilians were from the village of Aber Khel and acquaintances of the Zambar Afghan National Police chief.

“This was a senseless attack on Afghan civilians,” said Col. Thomas Collins, Coalition spokesperson. “For extremists to dress like women and kill innocent civilians, shows the lengths the extremists will go to threaten the safety of the Afghan people. The Coalition remains committed to putting an end to such senseless violence and those who would commit these atrocities.”