MONTPELIER – U.S. military officials say Vermont soldiers helped repel an attack on Afghanistan's Bagram Air Force Base.

The base, north of the Afghan capital of Kabul, was attacked Wednesday by Taliban insurgents armed with rockets, grenades and suicide vests. The attack triggered a fire fight that killed an American contractor and at least 10 attackers. Nine U.S. service members were wounded.

A U.S. military spokesman in Afghanistan says Vermont troops were involved in the coalition response to the attack, but provided no additional details. There are about 1,500 Vermont National Guard soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

–The Associated Press

Teens face charges

in graffiti spree

Five teenagers are now facing criminal charges in connection with a citywide vandalism spree in Barre that authorities say began late last Thursday night and concluded early Friday morning.

Thanks to an investigation that was aided by a video surveillance system installed at one business that was targeted by the spray-paint-wielding "taggers," police say they were able to apprehend the individuals responsible.

In addition to two unnamed 16-year-old juveniles, police cited Derrick Brown and Tyler Newton, both 18, of Barre, and 19-year-old Steven Bradbury of Cabot with unlawful mischief this week.

According to police, the group of youngsters apparently spent several hours roaming the city and randomly spray-painting Vermont's area code – "802" – or "802 zips" on both public and private property late last week.

Police did not provide an estimated cost of cleanup, but are asking anyone with information about the incidents, or whose property was "tagged" with blue spray-paint last week, to contact them at 476-6613.