Sun, 21 Feb 2010 | PressTVTribal elders in the southern Afghan province of Helmand want an end to the US-led anti-Taliban offensive there, citing Western troops' disregard for civilian lives as a reason.
In a gathering in the center of Helmand, the elders expressed concerns about the way the operations have been handled so far.
Recently many Afghan civilians have been killed both by violent militant acts, including bombings and daily fighting, as well as by new US-led operations against militants.
They say the offensive is taking its toll on the people in the central city of Marjah.
The elders warned that if help doesn't reach people, the region is will face a catastrophe.
Human rights groups have also voiced concern over the issue, saying people living on the front line of the major offensive are trapped in their homes with little access to food and medicine.
"We need to reach the point where there are no civilian casualties," Afghan President Hamid Karzai told lawmakers during the opening session of the parliament following a-month-long break.
"Our effort and our criticism will continue until we reach that goal," he said.
In a gathering in the center of Helmand, the elders expressed concerns about the way the operations have been handled so far.
Recently many Afghan civilians have been killed both by violent militant acts, including bombings and daily fighting, as well as by new US-led operations against militants.
They say the offensive is taking its toll on the people in the central city of Marjah.
The elders warned that if help doesn't reach people, the region is will face a catastrophe.
Human rights groups have also voiced concern over the issue, saying people living on the front line of the major offensive are trapped in their homes with little access to food and medicine.
"We need to reach the point where there are no civilian casualties," Afghan President Hamid Karzai told lawmakers during the opening session of the parliament following a-month-long break.
"Our effort and our criticism will continue until we reach that goal," he said.
London-based think tank, the International Council for Security Development, says the planners of this major operation have little regard for the well-being of civilians.
More than 15,000 troops mainly form the US military have been involved in Operation Moshtarak in the southern province of Helmand.
More than 15,000 troops mainly form the US military have been involved in Operation Moshtarak in the southern province of Helmand.
