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US rises to Taleban's challenge US rises to Taleban's challenge
(about 4 hours later)
The Taleban leader's first public statement for almost a year suggests he is concerned about rising US troop numbers, a US military spokesman says.The Taleban leader's first public statement for almost a year suggests he is concerned about rising US troop numbers, a US military spokesman says.
Mullah Omar warned that the violence in Afghanistan would escalate and he urged foreign forces to prepare to withdraw.Mullah Omar warned that the violence in Afghanistan would escalate and he urged foreign forces to prepare to withdraw.
Col Greg Julian agreed with his prediction of more clashes, saying US troops would leave "no safe haven" in Afghanistan for militants.Col Greg Julian agreed with his prediction of more clashes, saying US troops would leave "no safe haven" in Afghanistan for militants.
The US is to send 4,500 more troops next year to join 33,000 already there.The US is to send 4,500 more troops next year to join 33,000 already there.
Col Julian said he had heard similar statements to Mullah Omar's before.Col Julian said he had heard similar statements to Mullah Omar's before.
"That indicates that they are most concerned about this increase in troop strength in Afghanistan, which is the last thing they want because they know it will lead to their defeat," he said."That indicates that they are most concerned about this increase in troop strength in Afghanistan, which is the last thing they want because they know it will lead to their defeat," he said.
Asked about the Taleban view that an increase in troops will lead to more clashes, he told the BBC World Service Newshour programme: "That's precisely right, because we're going to take the fight to them, we are not going to allow any safe haven in Afghanistan."Asked about the Taleban view that an increase in troops will lead to more clashes, he told the BBC World Service Newshour programme: "That's precisely right, because we're going to take the fight to them, we are not going to allow any safe haven in Afghanistan."
There are currently 33,000 US troops in Afghanistan.There are currently 33,000 US troops in Afghanistan.
US President George W Bush has announced that about 4,500 more soldiers will be sent to Afghanistan early in 2009.US President George W Bush has announced that about 4,500 more soldiers will be sent to Afghanistan early in 2009.
'Golden opportunity''Golden opportunity'
Mullah Omar is thought to be living somewhere in Pakistan.Mullah Omar is thought to be living somewhere in Pakistan.
His statement said: "I would like to remind the illegal invaders who have invaded our defenceless and oppressed people that it is a golden opportunity for you at present to hammer out an exit strategy for your forces.His statement said: "I would like to remind the illegal invaders who have invaded our defenceless and oppressed people that it is a golden opportunity for you at present to hammer out an exit strategy for your forces.
"The current armed clashes which now number into tens, will spiral up to hundreds of armed clashes."The current armed clashes which now number into tens, will spiral up to hundreds of armed clashes.
"Your current casualties of hundreds will jack up in to the thousands.""Your current casualties of hundreds will jack up in to the thousands."
His comments came after more than 90 lorries supplying US forces in Afghanistan were set on fire in a suspected militant attack in north-west Pakistan.His comments came after more than 90 lorries supplying US forces in Afghanistan were set on fire in a suspected militant attack in north-west Pakistan.
Police said at least one person was killed as about 300 gunmen using rockets overpowered the guards at a terminal near the city of Peshawar.Police said at least one person was killed as about 300 gunmen using rockets overpowered the guards at a terminal near the city of Peshawar.
The road from Peshawar to Afghanistan is a major supply route for US and Western forces battling against the Taleban.The road from Peshawar to Afghanistan is a major supply route for US and Western forces battling against the Taleban.