More than a dozen killed as Taliban strikes northern Afghanistan
- 11 years ago
Carnage on the streets in northern Afghanistan after a suicide bomber kills a senior officials and more than a dozen others outside a government office.
Insurgent attacks against civilians and government workers have increased in recent months as the Taliban awaits the exit of foreign forces at the end of next year.
Government officials say the Taliban will not gain the upper hand.
(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) AFGHAN DEFENSE MINISTRY SPOKESMAN, ZAHIR AZIMI SAYING:
"The Taliban believe that by the end of 2014, when foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan, they can change the country. But let me assure the people of Afghanistan and call on Afghanistan's enemies to say that that threat will not bring any change to Afghanistan."
Nevertheless concerns are mounting over how Afghan security forces will cope once foreign combat troops leave by the end of 2014.
Insurgent attacks against civilians and government workers have increased in recent months as the Taliban awaits the exit of foreign forces at the end of next year.
Government officials say the Taliban will not gain the upper hand.
(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) AFGHAN DEFENSE MINISTRY SPOKESMAN, ZAHIR AZIMI SAYING:
"The Taliban believe that by the end of 2014, when foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan, they can change the country. But let me assure the people of Afghanistan and call on Afghanistan's enemies to say that that threat will not bring any change to Afghanistan."
Nevertheless concerns are mounting over how Afghan security forces will cope once foreign combat troops leave by the end of 2014.