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US rises to Taleban's challenge Presence of Taleban 'spreading'
(about 3 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 has a permanent presence in nearly 75% of Afghanistan, a new report by an international think-tank says.
Mullah Omar warned that the violence in Afghanistan would escalate and he urged foreign forces to prepare to withdraw. The International Council on Security and Development says the insurgents can now infiltrate Kabul at will, although the government rejects the findings.
Col Greg Julian agreed with his prediction of more clashes, saying US troops would leave "no safe haven" in Afghanistan for militants. Taleban leader Mullah Omar has warned violence in Afghanistan will rise and has urged foreign forces to withdraw.
The US is to send 4,500 more troops next year to join 33,000 already there. The BBC has also learned that renewed efforts are being made to arrange peace talks with some members of the Taleban.
Col Julian said he had heard similar statements to Mullah Omar's before. 'Flawed analysis'
"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. The International Council on Security and Development says the insurgent group has moved well beyond its southern heartland and is at the gates of Kabul.
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." But the conclusion that the Taleban now has a presence in nearly three-quarters of the country is being challenged by the government and foreign diplomats, who say the analysis is flawed.
The US plans to send more troops to Afghanistan next year
The BBC's Ian Pannell in Kabul says the report is controversial but there is little doubt that violence in Afghanistan has grown and that the insurgency has spread and moved much closer to the capital.
The report comes as renewed efforts are being made to try to instigate peace talks with elements of the Taleban, our correspondent says.
A meeting is being planned in Dubai in the coming days involving 40 or so Afghans, representing both the insurgents and the government.
It is being organised by the son-in-law of one of the country's most notorious pro-Taleban warlords and has the support of Washington, our correspondent report.
However, many are cautioning that this is just a first tentative step and expectations remain low.
Meanwhile, a US military spokesman has said that Taleban leader Mullah Omar's first public statement for almost a year suggests he is concerned about rising US troop numbers.
Col Greg Julian agreed with Mullah Omar's warning of more clashes, saying US troops would leave "no safe haven" in Afghanistan for militants.
Col Julian said the Taleban were "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 added: "We're going to take the fight to them."
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. In his statement, Mullah Omar, whose whereabouts are unknown, 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.