Taliban declares annual 'spring offensive' on US-led forces
Iran Press TV
Thu May 8, 2014 9:14AM GMT
The Taliban militant group in Afghanistan has announced the start of its annual "spring offensive" on foreign forces before the latter's withdrawal from the war-torn country.
In an English-language statement on Thursday, the Taliban warned Afghan officials and foreign forces against a new wave of attacks, starting on Monday.
"If the invaders or their internal stooges believe that reducing the number of foreign forces will dampen our fervour, then they are sadly mistaken," the statement said.
It added that attacks during the coming "fighting season" would target US military bases, diplomatic missions and vehicle convoys. It also warned that Afghan translators, government officials, politicians and judges would be targeted before the US-led NATO mission ends at the end of this year.
There are about 51,000 US-led NATO troops still in Afghanistan, which are set to withdraw by December this year. A small number of US troops, however, may stay in the country if a long-delayed deal is signed between Kabul and Washington.
The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washington's so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but after almost 13 years, insecurity remains across the region.
Earlier on Thursday, Afghan security officials said a bomb planted in an oil tanker went off near a US base in the town of Bagram in Parvan Province, leaving at least two people dead and 18 others injured.
A roadside bomb explosion in western Afghanistan also claimed the lives of at least nine people in the Shindand district of Herat Province on Wednesday.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but officials have blamed the Taliban for similar attacks in the past.
MOS/HJL
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