KABUL - Resolute Support Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Brig. Gen. Wilson Shoffner said over the weekend that insurgent attacks have increased in Kabul compared to the past year, and that militants want to show that the Afghan government is not able to ensure people's safety.

Shoffner said Afghan security forces have gained several achievements but still they need American forces' support.

According to him, there has been about a 10 percent decrease in enemy motivated attacks against this time last year. But "what we are seeing that is different – are attacks in Kabul. In the greater Kabul area."

He said: "We have seen about a 40 percent increase in IED's this fighting season and about a six percent increase in high profile attacks."

"Kabul has strategic significance for the insurgency and there are really two main reasons for this. The first is that it is the visible symbol of the government's authority. It's the capital city. The second is that the attacks receive wide media coverage and it's what the insurgents want."

In addition Shoffner said although the performance by security forces against insurgents has been praised many times, they still need the assistance of the foreign coalition.

Shoffner had been speaking only hours before a deadly suicide car bombing rocked the capital, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 60 – including women and children.

Following the attack, Resolute Support strongly condemned the incident which left three of its foreign civilian contractors dead.

Shoffner said on Saturday: "Instead of seizing an opportunity to embrace peace, insurgents have again chosen violence in an attempt to remain relevant."

"Regardless of the target of their attacks, insurgents continue to inflict a heavy toll on innocent Afghan civilians," he said.

Shoffner said despite the attack, Resolute Support remains committed to assisting its Afghan partners in achieving sustainable security and stability. (Tolonews)