Sunday, February 17, 2013
Kabul (BNA) President Hamid Karzai yesterday urged Afghan national security institutions to avoid calling for air support from NATO-led coalition security forces during the military operations.
While speaking at the National Military Academy of Afghanistan president Karzai said that a number of civilians were killed and injured recently after Afghan security forces called for air support in Kunar province.
He said that a presidential decree will be issued in this regard in the near future.
A NATO airstrike killed 10 Afghan civilians, including five children, in eastern Afghanistan last Wednesday.
Civilian deaths in air strikes have been one of the most emotive and high-profile issues of the war in Afghanistan, although in recent years UN figures show that the Taliban have caused the majority of civilian casualties.
On the post 2014 situation, the president said Afghan forces will be capable of defending their motherland.
“To us, 2014 will be Nawroz (Afghan New Year), it will be springtime, and there will be a bloom across our country.”
He insisted the people are happy about the planned pullout of international troops.
“Fortunately, they are leaving soon, we have encouraged them to withdraw and show the world that we can secure our home on our own.
“President Karzai ordered the national security personnel to behave well with civilians.
Afghan soldiers recently stormed in the Tagab district of Kapisa province and forced inmates out, he said, calling for an end to the use of force against the masses.
