Sangin attacks aim to weaken Afghanistan: Karzai

KABUL.

The attacks reportedly involving about 800 militants, including Pakistanis, began a week ago, leaving more than 100 militants dead so far. A large number of civilians and security personnel have been killed and hundreds others wounded as a result of the ongoing clashes.

A statement issued from the Presidential Palace quoted President Karzai as calling on those Taliban, who were sons of the soil, not to become part of the conspiracy hatched by outsiders.

He told the Afghan insurgents their actions should not result into the killing of innocent Afghans, particularly women and children, for the benefits of outsiders. They should not harm civilians while trying to capture security posts, he asked the rebels.

Karzai said the Afghan forces were defending the motherland and he asked them to protect the lives and properties of civilians during their operations.

The president also renewed his call on the authorities concerned to spare no effort in assisting the families of those killed and wounded due to the conflict. He said the displaced families should be provided assistance at the earliest.

A week ago, Karzai called on the Afghan Taliban to avoid killing their own countrymen for the benefits of others.

Helmand Governor Mohammad Naeem had claimed the attacks in Sangin had been planned in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Balochistan province.

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