Afghan government slams US for sending arms to Taliban

Afghan government slams US for sending arms to Taliban


new Thursday 3rd October 2013 at 07:19



‘The Afghan Interior Ministry has strongly condemned the US military over a shipment of weapons to Zabul Province in the troubled southern Afghanistan.

This comes after a senior Afghan lawmaker revealed that American forces are giving military aid to Taliban militants active in the troubled region.

Zalmai Zabuli added that American helicopters have delivered two shipments of small arms and heavy weapons to the militants in the Mizan district.

The senior lawmaker has warned that the continuation of such violations could trigger mass protests against the US forces.’

Senior officials in Kabul have also demanded an explanation from Washington over its aid to the Taliban.

Zabuli stressed that the US military aid to the Taliban and its covert talks with the militants have raised serious doubts regarding the Washington’s goals in the war-torn country.

Washington and London have supported secret peace talks with the Taliban after US-led forces lost ground against the militants in recent months across Afghanistan.

The Afghan government has expressed serious concern about the ongoing US-led peace process with Taliban in Qatar. Senior Afghan officials say the move contradicts the US security guarantees, noting that the Taliban militants will be able to use their Doha office to raise funds for their campaign in Afghanistan.

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 more than 11 years, insecurity remains across the country.