Reuters: Taliban commander vows bloody 2007 in Afghanistan

Taliban commander vows bloody 2007 in Afghanistan

Tue Jan 2, 2007 4:54 PM ET
By Saeed Ali Achakzai

SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan (Reuters) - The Taliban will step up attacks on foreign troops in Afghanistan this year and kill anyone who negotiates with the government, a top rebel commander said on Tuesday.

Taliban fighters staged a surprise comeback last year with the bloodiest violence since U.S.-led troops forced them from power in 2001. More than 4,000 people were killed on both sides in 2006 including nearly 170 foreign troops.

Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah said the new year would see more attacks on NATO and U.S. forces.

"Suicide and guerrilla attacks on NATO, American and coalition forces will continue and increase this year. The Taliban will inflict heavy casualties on them," Dadullah told Reuters by satellite telephone from an undisclosed location.

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The rebel commander ruled out any negotiations while foreign troops were in the country and threatened dire consequences for anyone who did so.

"Those who negotiate in the name of the Taliban will be killed," he said. He did not elaborate.

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