‘Taliban to increase attacks in Kabul’

‘Taliban to increase attacks in Kabul’
The Taliban militant group plans to increase its attacks in Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul in 2013, Press TV reports.

According to Afghan General Qadam Shah Shahim, the militants are planning to target Afghan government buildings, the offices of the United Nations, the NATO headquarters, and embassies.

“Militants this year have chosen to attack various targets in Kabul and they will look to attack busy places in the city. Last year the militants were following two objectives in Kabul including creation of fear among the ordinary citizens and military attacks. This year militants will look to carry out attacks on both military and civilian institutions,” the Afghan general said.

Shahim added that 85 percent of the Taliban attacks would target Kabul in 2013.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Tuesday that Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar could run for president in the upcoming elections.

Taliban attacks and clashes between the militants and Afghan security forces have claimed the lives of many civilians over the past years.

The militant group was removed from power when the United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. However, insecurity remains across the country despite the presence of US-led troops.