Six-Year-Old Suicide Bomber

(Afghanistan) Although this story is outrageous and hard to believe, it's not out of the realm of reason. Undoubtedly, the Taliban is evil.

The story of a 6-year-old Afghan boy who says he thwarted an effort by Taliban militants to trick him into being a suicide bomber provoked tears and anger at a meeting of tribal leaders.

The account from Juma Gul, a dirt-caked child who collects scrap metal for money, left American soldiers dumb-founded that a youngster could be sent on such a mission. Afghan troops crowded around the boy to call him a hero.

Though the Taliban dismissed the story as propaganda, at a time when US and NATO forces are under increasing criticism over civilian casualties, both Afghan tribal elders and US military officers said they were convinced by his dramatic account.

Juma said that sometime last month Taliban fighters forced him to wear a vest they said would spray out flowers when he touched a button. He said they told him that when he saw American soldiers, "throw your body at them."

Unable to use the lure of 72 virgins with a 6-year-old, the Taliban used a different deception. However, being somewhat street-smart, the boy instead went to some Afghan soldiers and asked for help.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.