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Afghan Taliban launch spring offensive

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, May 1, IRNA -- Afghan Taliban say they would begin spring offensive across Afghanistan for May 1st and will launch attacks on foreign troops, Afghan security forces, government officials and members of the High Peace Council.

In a statement, received through email, Taliban warned Afghan civilians to stay away from public gatherings, military bases and convoys, as well as Afghan government centers, as these would be the focus of attacks.

“Today, our sacred Jihad against all foreign invaders in Afghanistan successfully steps up to the threshold of its tenth year, with the help of the Almighty Allah ( SwT) and your prideful Jihad and selfless sacrifices. With the approach of the spring, the Leadership Council of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan wants to declare the launching of the spring military operations christened as “Badar” to be waged against the invading Americans and their foreign Allies and internal supports,” the Taliban statement said.

The statement, from what Taliban called the Leadership Council of the Islamic Emirate comes a day after senior military officials and Western diplomats warned they expected a surge in militant attacks over the next week.

Released by Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, the statement said the Badar Operations, which begin on May 1st, will focus on attacks against military centers, places of gatherings, airbases, ammunition and logistical military convoys of the foreign invaders in all parts of the country.

'Throughout the operations, the prior target of Taliban attacks must remain foreign invading forces, members of their spy networks and ( other) spies, high-ranking officials of the Kabul Puppet Administration, both military and civilian, members of the cabinet, members of the parliament, Heads of foreign and local companies working for the enemy and contractors.'

The statement asked the people to keep away from gatherings, convoys and centers of the enemy so that they will not become harmed during attacks of Taliban against the enemy or, as usual, the enemy may not avenge itself on them, following the operations.

'The war in our country will not come to an end unless and until the foreign invading forces pull out of Afghanistan and the cause of the war are obliterated,' Taliban said, adding Taliban consider this its legitimate right and religious obligation to defend its religion and country.

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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30366307