'Suicide attack bid' on US Defence Secretary

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By DAVID WILLETTS
Defence Correspondent
Published: Today at 13:59
US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta is feared to have been the target of a suicide attack at Camp Bastion today.


A vehicle got on to the runway and burst into flames as Mr Panetta's plane landed in Afghanistan this morning.

The drama unfolded just hours ago on the sprawling base — Britain's main outpost in the warzone.

Defence supremo Mr Panetta flew into Afghanistan today to quell fears after a US soldier went on the rampage killing 16 innocent Afghans.

But as his plane was landing a vehicle appeared on the runway and subsequently caught fire.

Sources at the scene claim it was a suicide attack — but those allegations have not yet been officially confirmed.
Read More>http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...Secretary.html

Meh, probably just one of those new Gov't Motors Chevy Volts. Nothing to see here.

It was also reported elsewhere that the U.S. Marines and Soldiers manning the tent in which Panetta was to speak were told to disarm and all their weapons were collected outside. Only then were they allowed to reenter the tent.

The Afghans were unarmed -- which was probably a good thing.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/...ry?id=15917672

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Eupher

It was also reported elsewhere that the U.S. Marines and Soldiers manning the tent in which Panetta was to speak were told to disarm and all their weapons were collected outside. Only then were they allowed to reenter the tent.

The Afghans were unarmed -- which was probably a good thing.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/...ry?id=15917672

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When I was there you went armed everywhere, including the porta potty (yes, that was the upscale pooper when I was there, a pee tube and makeshift poop collection house was the other accomodation).

I'm trying to understand why American troops had to be disarmed? If I were the Sec Def, I'd want a word with the "commander" responsible for that decision. If you cannot trust your own troops, what message does that send?