§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the exchange of fire between ISAF forces and members of the Afghan police force which took place on the night of 12 April. [52044]
§ Mr. HoonOn the night of 12 April, two observation posts in west Kabul manned by solders from 1 Royal Anglian Regiment came under fire from 30–40 men. During the subsequent exchange of fire, most of these men fled on foot; seven were detained and disarmed. Five of these were dressed in police uniforms, one in combat fatigues and one in civilian clothing. All were handed over to the Afghan Interim Administration in accordance with the Military Technical Agreement.
Despite this incident, there has been a significant improvement in the security and stability of Kabul under the Interim Administration. The ISAF has played a crucial role in this process.