Top general says no evidence Iran behind IEDs
January 6, 2008 - 0:0
Canadian military officials in Afghanistan say they’re concerned about the influx of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) entering the country. But they contend there is no evidence the Iranian government is behind the export of weapons that end up in the hands of Taleban fighters.
During a visit to Afghanistan over Christmas, Defense Minister Peter MacKay surprised reporters by accusing Iran of supplying IEDs to Afghan insurgents.But the general in charge of Canadian forces in the country says the source of parts used in the IEDs is unclear.
“I cannot say from what I see on the ground that Iran is behind that,” said Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche.
The Iranian government has denied allegations that it is behind the weapons being smuggled into Afghanistan. Iran’s government has historically had frosty relations with the Taleban, which is the main insurgent force fighting against NATO and Afghan national forces. The Taleban and al-Qaeda have traditionally been hostile towards Iran.
(Source: CTV.ca) -