Two killed, dozens hurt as security forces battle Afghan students rioting over alleged abuses at Guantanamo

Afghan police and U.S. troops opened fire Wednesday to control hundreds of rioting students angered at alleged abuse of the Quran at the U.S. jail in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, killing two protesters and injuring another 40, officials said.

Shooting broke out in the eastern city of Jalalabad as demonstrators smashed the windows of cars and shops and threw stones at a passing convoy of American soldiers. Mobs also broke into U.N. compounds and burned two cars. No U.N. staff were reported hurt.

"They are very angry and are spread over all over the city," intelligence chief Sardar Shah told The Associated Press. "There are police, army and Americans shooting into the air .... We've tried to get control but I think it is impossible."

Deputy health chief Mohammed Ayub Shinwari said two protesters were killed and another 40 injured. Many were being treated in Jalalabad hospital for bullet wounds, he said.

AP