Rioting reported in Afghanistan

December 30, 1980

Days after the first anniversary of the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan, anti-Soviet rioting broke out Monday in Kabul, and Russian tanks were sent into the streets while helicopter gunships hovered overhead, a Western diplomat said. Afghan officials also claimed Soviet and Afghan soldiers killed "an American military adviser" in southern Afghanistan.

A large crowd of Afghans stood on the sidewalk of the downtown area throwing rocks at passing vehicles shortly before noon. The crowd turned into an angry mob and focused attention on the Ministry of Information and Culture building, where propaganda for the Soviet-installed government of President Babrak Karmal originates.

Meanwhile, Afghan officials said an American was killed as he traveled with a group of Afghan Muslim insurgents fighting Soviet forces. Afghan and Soviet soldiers captured his documents, camera, and films, they said.