Afghans guard empty camp after German military pulls out

Feb 24, 2012, 15:35 GMT

Berlin - A military camp in Afghanistan that had until recently been operated by German forces was being guarded by Afghan troops Friday after the Germans unexpectedly cleared out, officials from both countries confirmed.

The German military operational command confirmed that Afghan forces were guarding the Talokan camp.

The 50 German personnel at the site withdrew this week, taking their weapons, ammunition and vehicles with them. On the same day there was a demonstration in the city by 300 people who were angry at the reported burning of Korans by US soldiers.

The Germans were withdrawn to a main German camp in Kunduz, 70 kilometres away, the command in Potsdam said.

Talokan, with 200,000 inhabitants, is one of Afghanistan's 10 main cities. The German camp is located in the middle of the city, unlike other German camps which are outside built-up areas.

Several people were killed in May during a violent demonstration outside the camp where petrol bombs and hand grenades were thrown at it. In addition, two German soldiers and four Afghan guards were injured on that occasion.

Germany wound up its operations at the Talokan site on February 15 and has been clearing it since then.

There was no word Friday on how Germany would transport its remaining property away from the site, which measures 90 by 90 metres. It is scheduled to be empty by the end of March.

A spokesman said the options included sending an Afghan contractor to pick up the items or for the Germans to return themselves to take the items away.

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