Afghan farmers, U.S.-trained police on collision course over opium crackdo [View All]

[Judi Lynn]

Afghan-Opium Protest
Afghan farmers, U.S.-trained police on collision course over opium crackdown

(Kandahar, Afghanistan-AP, Apr. 14, 2005 10:45 AM) _ Afghan farmers targeted in a U.S.-sponsored crackdown on drugs vowed Thursday to protect their opium crops, challenging President Hamid Karzai's plan to destroy the world's largest narcotics industry.

The campaign was suspended Tuesday when police sent to destroy opium poppy fields in southern Kandahar province opened fire on rock-throwing protesters. Seven people were hurt, though officials denied reported fatalities.
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Attaullah claimed foreigners -- apparently from a U.S. security firm that trained the eradication force -- had opened fire after protesters starting throwing stones. He claimed that three men had died and the farmers' resistance was hardening.

"We have decided we won't let them eradicate our poppy," he said. "That's our collective and final decision. We have nothing else to lose."
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http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=3210330