27/08/2013 18:53
'Taliban' kill 12 Afghan civilians
Taliban militants have killed 12 civilians in Afghanistan, including six men working on government projects, local officials have said, according to BBC.
The bodies of the six contractors were found in western Herat province. They were shot after attempts to negotiate their release failed.
Separately, six civilians were killed in the eastern Paktia province.
Attacks on government contractors have increased as Nato prepares to withdraw its combat troops in 2014.
By the end of 2014, all foreign combat troops are due to have left Afghanistan to be replaced - if approved by the government in Kabul - by a smaller force that will only train and advise.