Afghans Protest Against Foreign Troops, Six Hurt

Afghan villagers attend a meeting with commander of U.S. forces in the area at Barabad village

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Afghanistan has seen a series of violent protests in recent years over reports of insults to Islam.

Six people were hurt when Afghan police opened fire on demonstrators who claimed U.S. troops had desecrated a Koran during a raid on a mosque.

The incident took place in Deh Khodaidad village in Ghazni, southwest of the capital, Kabul.

Police said a government team had been sent to investigate claims that foreign troops had raided the mosque, rounded up worshippers and tore apart copies of the Koran on Thursday night.

A spokesman for the U.S. military said he was aware of a "peaceful protest". Afghan police said any injuries had been caused by "saboteurs" in the crowd.

Afghanistan has seen a series of violent protests in recent years over reports of insults to Islam.

More than 74,000 foreign troops operate under NATO and U.S. military's command in Afghanistan, fighting the al Qaeda-backed Taliban.