World | Afghanistan
Taliban warning likely just propaganda: Nato spokesman
Nato officials said on Wednesday that Taliban's annual warning that it will use new techniques to increase attacks in Afghanistan this spring, was nothing but propaganda.
- AP
- Published: 14:32 March 26, 2008
Kabul: Nato officials said on Wednesday Taliban's annual warning that it will use new techniques to increase attacks in Afghanistan this spring, was nothing but propaganda.
A statement attributed to Taliban senior commander Mullah Bradar had on Tuesday warned Afghans working with the government to quit their jobs or risk being targeted.
Bradar had said the Taliban is aiming to collapse the government of President Hamid Karzai, whom the Taliban calls a "slave" of Western powers.
He had insisted that the militants would continue their attacks until the government is ousted and US and Nato forces withdraw.
US and Nato military officials dismiss the idea of a Taliban spring offensive and say the only offensive that will take place this year is one by Western and Afghan troops.
"It's the same old story, it's the same old nonsense," Mark Laity, the Nato spokesman in Kabul, said on Wednesday. "What are they saying they will do? More destruction, more unhappiness, more misery. What is there that will present any hope for the Afghan people?"
Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, spokesman for Afghanistan's Defense Ministry, called the Taliban announcement propaganda.
"In the past they've used all their power against the Afghan National Army, but they failed," Azimi said. "Thousands of Taliban were killed last year. The ANA has increased its numbers. Important Taliban leaders have been killed."
The Afghan army, which is being trained by US and other Nato experts, now stands at 63,000 strong, Azimi said. The international community has agreed to expand the army to 80,000 troops, though Azimi has called for a force of 200,000.
Azimi also said the Taliban is suffering from infighting in its ranks, including disagreements between Taliban leader Mullah Omar and powerful Pakistani Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud.
Last year was Afghanistan's most violent since the 2001 US-led invasion toppled the Taliban. More than 8,000 people were killed, including some 1,500 civilians, according to the UN.
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