US soldiers were asked to disarm during a speech by Leon Panetta, the American defence secretary, in a sign of grown concern over spates of seemingly random violence in Afghanistan. Around 200 troops who had gathered in a tent at Camp Leatherneck were told "something had come to light" and asked abruptly to file outside and lay down their automatic rifles and 9mm pistols.

Fort Drum is going to start sending out two person "courtesy patrols" to local bars and restaurants several nights a week. The patrols will target fights, drinking and driving and other misbehavior.

Each “courtesy patrol” will consist of an officer, and a senior non-commissioned officer. Several patrols will operate each Thursday through Sunday from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., effective immediately.