Taliban`s offensive to target negotiators

KABUL, April 30: Afghanistan`s Taliban militants on Saturday announced the launch of their spring offensive as international troops gear up for a transition process to hand control of security to home-grown forces. Referring to itself as "the leading council of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" — as it did during its 1996-2001 rule — the group said it "wants to declare the launching of the spring military operations christened as `Badar` to be waged against the invading Americans and their foreign allies". Spring and summer are Afghanistan`s traditional fighting season. In a statement in English as well as local languages Pashto and Dari, the Taliban said its offensive against Nato-led troops and the Afghan government would begin on May 1. It would "focus on attacks against US military centres, places of gatherings, airbases, ammunition and logistical military convoys of the foreign invaders in all parts of the country", the Taliban militants said. They would also target members of the High Council For Peace, a government body that seeks to negotiate with the Taliban, the statement said, along with government, intelligence services and contractors working for Nato-led forces. "Strict attention must be paid to the protection and safety of civilians during the spring operations by working out a meticulous military plan," said the Taliban statement. The Pentagon on Friday claimed "tangible progress" in the war being fought by about 130,000 international troops in Afghanistan, along with local forces, but warned gains made in the past six months were "fragile".—AFP