Taliban warns of 'wave of attacks' across Afghanistan

In a statement, the Taliban warned Afghan civilians to stay away from public gatherings, military bases and convoys and Afghan government centres. The group intends these places to be at the heart of its attacks.

“Operations will focus on attacks against military centres, places of gatherings, airbases, ammunition and logistical military convoys of the foreign invaders in all parts of the country,” the Taliban said.

It added that the targets would be foreign forces, high-ranking officials of President Hamid Karzai’s government, members of the cabinet, lawmakers and heads of foreign and local companies working for the NATO-led coalition.

“All Afghan people should bear in mind to keep away from gatherings, convoys and centres of the enemy so they not become harmed during attacks of Mujahideen against the enemy.”

The statement follows a warning by senior military officials and Western diplomat who said they expected a surge in militant attacks over the next week. Yesterday, the said that recent intelligence reporting indicated that the attacks planned by the Taliban, supported by the al-Qaeda-linked Haqqani network and other insurgents, would include suicide bombings.