Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Spring Offensive Announced

The Taliban militants have announced the beginning of their spring offensive against foreign forces operating in Afghanistan to stabilize the country, Afghan security forces and government officials. It begins on May 01. On Saturday, April 30, 2011, the hard-line militants said in a statement that "the Leadership Council of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan wants to declare the launching of the spring military operations named as "Badar" to be waged against the invading Americans and their foreign allies and internal supports."

A day earlier, Pentagon had said that security situation has improved in Afghanistan since the 30,000 troops surge, which was announced by president Barack Obama in December 2009. The report by Pentagon also suggests that the violence has also increased against international forces, which includes roadside bombing and direct shooting on foreign forces.

The militants have warned Afghan people to stay away from places of gatherings, airbases, ammunition and logistical military convoys of the foreign forces in all parts of the country. While President Hamid Karzai continues to pursue his humble efforts for making peace with the militants, they, once again, have said that they would continue to fight until foreign forces leave the country.

The announcement of increased attacks will be as a nightmare for the Afghan public who often fall victims to the suicide attacks, roadside bombings and other terrorist activities because the targeted forces have enough equipments to avoid such attacks while the ordinary people do not have anything to help them avoid. The militants may also increase their appalling tactics of kidnapping and abduction or hostage-taking as there is a broad definition for "internal support", which is one of their declared targets.

Before this, the militants have been kidnapping and killing those who work with Afghan government, national and international organizations, national and international forces. The declaration of spring offensive will add to the public concerns across the country and may disrupt the daily lives if measures are not taken to ward off the offensive.

Measures could include increased intelligence and mustering local support to inform security officials of suspicious people in their areas and localities. Foreign and national forces must begin to squeeze the militants before they organize themselves. It will be stupid to let the militants come and meet them in their lion's den.