Strategic assets of Taliban still intact: Hasan Rahmani

["Karl Carlile" <dagda@xxxxxxxxxx>]

 Strategic assets of Taliban still intact: Hasan Rahmani
PESHAWAR: Mullah Muhammad Hasan Rahmani, Governor of Kandahar has claimed that
actual strength and arms and ammunition depots of Taliban are still intact and
they are well set to fight out the infidel forces rallying behind the United
States.

In a statement issued here he said we have enough arms and ammunition to engage
the enemy forces for long.

He said that the Americans lacked the required courage and gallantry to face the
brave Afghans, who defeated the Russians in the same tough and treacherous
terrain.

Refuting the allegations that the American missile strikes and bombardments had
demoralized the Taliban, he stressed, "The real battle field would be staged
when the United States grounds its land forces in Afghanistan." "The Afghans are
looking forward to that crucial moment and they are ready to deliver as ever,"
he added.

In regard with the casualties among the American air-borne troops, Mullah
Muhammad Hasan claimed that a number of Americans have been killed inside
Afghanistan but the statement did not give specific figures.

As far the Taliban, according to the statement, there have been some casualities
but not noteworthy. The governor of Kandahar has refuted the reports that there
were any differences among the Taliban ranks and file following about a
month-long U.S. attacks on Afghanistan.

"It's mere propaganda to malign and demoralize the Taliban but it would never
work and the Taliban were well trenched with their morale very high to give a
befitting reply to the aggressors."

In an apparent allusion to some reports indicating that Hezb-e-Islami (HIA)
Chief Engineer Hekmatyar is trying to side with the Taliban, the governor has
claimed that lots of former Jehadi leaders and Mujahid commanders have assured
them of full support in men and material because, waging Jehad has now become
obligatory in the given circumstances.

About the collateral damage, it is said, "The Americans were targeting the
civilian population, houses, shops, hospitals, communication, power and
irrigation systems and dams.

The power and telephonic systems of Kandahar have been badly damaged due to U.S.
carpet-bombing and the local population was facing untold hardships and there is
a lack of ample drinking water.

People are forced to fetch hand pump water from remote areas," the statement
said.

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