At least seven dead in rioting in Afghan capital

KABUL: At least three people were killed in rioting that erupted in the Afghan capital Monday after US troops opened fire on a mob and killed four civilians who had gathered at the scene of a vehicle accident.   

Mohammad Shoib, an eyewitness, told AFP he had seen Afghan soldiers shoot dead two rioters trying to break through a police cordon and move into an area that includes the presidential palace and United Nations offices.   

Other eyewitnesses told AFP they had seen another man shot dead outside the Serena Hotel, which is near the presidential palace, one of several areas of the city where gunfire was heard after the rioting broke out.   

Afghan officials could not be reached to confirm casualties.