Taliban reacts to “highly offensive” US military leaflet

Leaflets dropped on Monday night, by the U.S. Military, encouraging Afghans to cooperate with security forces, have sparked irritation among Taliban(s) in Afghanistan, which in turn as led to a disastrous act of terrorism in the province. The irritation was as a result of the content of the leaflet.

According to a report on CBS News, the leaflet included an image of a dog carrying the Taliban flag, with the flag having Islamic verses inscribed on it. They argument put forward is that dogs are seen as unclean in much of the Muslim world.

According to Shah Wali Shahid, the deputy governor of Parwan province, who also spoke admitting that the design was an error on attempt, stated that the public demanded perpetrators to be brought to book as the act was considered uncalled-for, especially in the religion. According to him, it is an attempt to upset the general public –which it did.

“Local people are very upset with this incident, and they want the perpetrators brought to justice,” adding that ‘demonstrations were expected across the province,’ just as displayed.

It is however reported that Maj. Gen. James Linder has apologized, acknowledging in a statement that “the design of the leaflets mistakenly contained an image highly offensive to both Muslims and the religion of Islam.” To this effect, he offered his “sincerest apologies for this error.”

CBS News further informed that ‘throughout the 16-year Afghan war, U.S. forces have struggled to convince ordinary Afghans to help them defeat the Taliban.’ Since Afghanistan is a deeply conservative country, the alleged blasphemy was really possible of sparking riots.

Reacting in a tweet to the leaflet, a Taliban account reportedly tweeted to condemn the leaflet, insinuating that ‘America invaders are the enemies of our religion.’ “Now you must have realized that the Mujahideen (Taliban) are protecting our faith and the country.”

Against this background, it was thereafter reported that ‘a man on a motorcycle blew himself up in front of Bagram Airbase, the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan, injuring four people,’ in the act. To this, the Taliban has also ‘claimed responsibility in a statement, saying the attack was retaliation for the leaflets dropped by U.S. forces in Parwan province,’ as a reason.

Correspondent: Ridwan A Olayiwola