U.S. Warns Against Vigilante Groups In Afghanistan

24 July 2004 -- The U.S-led coalition in Afghanistan is warning that there could be more people acting as self-appointed antiterrorism agents in the country.

Three U.S. citizens are currently on trial in Kabul, accused of running an unauthorized counterterrorism operation.

U.S. military spokesman Jon Siepmann said yesterday in Kabul that it is possible that others are also acting independently.

One of the three men on trial in Kabul said they had been operating with the cooperation of the Pentagon.

On 22 July, the U.S. military -- after initial denials -- admitted having had contact with the group after they handed over an Afghan national suspected of terrorist activities.

(dpa)