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Germany Mourns the Deaths of Three Security Officers in Afghanistan Three German federal police officers were killed Wednesday morning not far from the Afghan capital Kabul. Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her deep condolences to the families. She condemned the horrible attack, but said the Federal Armed Forces mission remains necessary for the security of the people in Afghanistan and in Europe. “Our thoughts are with the family members,” Merkel said. The federal government will “do everything to find out who was behind this attack.” Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said: “The police officers who died were serving at the German Embassy in Afghanistan where their job was to protect lives. Their work was a major part of Germany's commitment to reconstruction in Afghanistan. The instigators of this cowardly attack must be found and brought to justice as quickly as possible.” In addition to the three dead, another police officer was injured. The Ministry of Defense assumes that the vehicle carrying the victims hit an explosive device. Experts from the German Federal Criminal Police Office are on route to Kabul, where they will try to gather complete information about the attack. Federal Armed Forces Mission Remains Necessary German mission forces are making an indispensable contribution to the reconstruction and stabilization of Afghanistan. The aim of the perpetrators is to destroy the success achieved thus far. But the international community is firmly resolved to continue helping the people in Afghanistan to rebuild the future of their country. Germany has been participating in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) since December 22, 2001. The current mandate expires on October 13, 2007. The German contribution is focused on the northern region and Kabul. With more than 3,000 soldiers, Germany is the third largest troop provider of ISAF. Overall, 26 NATO and 11 non-NATO countries are currently participating, with more than 37,000 soldiers. On June 1, 2006, Germany assumed military responsibility over the ISAF troops in the north of the country. Originally serving in a purely coordinating role, Germany now has leadership responsibility for roughly 3,400 ISAF soldiers from 13 nationsAugust 15, 2007 Links
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