Daily Times

The Taliban warned Kabul residents Monday to avoid “military centres” in the heavily fortified city, saying they are planning more attacks in the capital where civilians have long taken the brunt of the casualties. The militant group has issued such warnings to civilians before, including during a failed attempt to take the western city of Farah last week, but it is believed to be the first time they have singled out Kabul.

The warning comes after the United Nations said the war-weary capital — where the Islamic State group is also stepping up its attacks — is already the deadliest place in the country for civilians.

The Taliban said they are planning more attacks on “the enemy’s military and intelligence centres” as part of an annual spring offensive. “Therefore, to avoid civilian casualties and only cause damage to enemy military, we are asking Kabul residents to keep away… We don’t want even a single innocent civilian to be killed”, a statement published online said.

Published in Daily Times, May 22^nd 2018.