Last week, Gen. Carsten Jacobson, an ISAF spokesman, claimed that as a result of increased pressure by the alliance forces on the militants, their networks have been dismantled and their attacks have decreased as compared to the first six months of last year. He claimed a 20 percent decrease. On Thursday, August 18, the ISAF commander, Gen. John Allen, said that Afghans and foreign soldiers have been able to cripple the Al-Qaeda network in the region and weaken the Taliban-led insurgency.
On Friday, August 19, 2011, Taliban attackers killed more than 8 people and injured about 16 others in the heart of the country. The target was the British Council based in Kabul. The attack began with the first blast at around 5:30am in the Kart-i-Parwan neighborhood followed by small explosions and gunfire, which lasted for hours.
Over the last few months, Kabulis have been witness to major terrorist attacks. The disgruntled brothers have been able to carry out some well-coordinated and organized assaults into the capital, creating panic for Kabul residents and foreigners based in Kabul. Taliban and other insurgent militants have been able to kill 400 foreign forces, which is a startling death toll that happens after ten years of war and fighting against Taliban and like minded groups.
Denouncing Friday's assault into the capital, president Karzai's office said, "The enemies of Afghanistan should know such attacks demonstrate their inability to face the security personnel." Also, ISAF commander Gen. John R. Allen said: "This despicable act of murder and destruction, on this day of Afghan Independence, is yet another indication the insurgents have nothing but contempt for the Afghan people. We will continue to support our Afghan counterparts to destroy the networks behind this attack, and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions."
Friday's attack came a day after about 24 civilians, including women and children, were killed in separate explosions in Herat province. It is really deplorable that Afghans continue to suffer in the hands of terrorists and extremists just due to ineffective policy of Afghan government and leadership.
Unfortunately, instead of celebration Afghan people mourn on the day of their independence. Those who kill our brave policemen on the day of our independence are called as "brothers." How can we expect them not to continue their destructive activities?