The Taliban sent a stern warning on Monday to fellow Afghans who might be heading to the presidential polls: Watch out, we’re going to send out the attack dogs.
Leading members of the military group, through spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, said they’ve told their fighters to “use all force” to disrupt the April 5 elections, which they view as “an American conspiracy,” CBS reported.
The vote to replace President Hamid Karzai is seen as a critical element in the security force pact between Afghanistan and the United States that’s awaiting approval. Mr. Hamid, angered by America’s use of drones in the nation, has refused to sign any deal to leave U.S. troops in the country past the withdrawal deadline, preferring to leave that matter to the incoming president.
Mr. Mujahid warned that Afghans ought to “reject completely” the election, CBS said.
“We have given orders to all our mujahedeen [holy warriors] to use all force at their disposal to disrupt [this] upcoming sham election to target all its workers, activists, callers, security apparatus and offices,” the Taliban statement said.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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