DHAKA: The Afghan Taliban announced Wednesday they will launch their annual ‘spring offensive’ from April 24, vowing attacks across the country at a time when US-led foreign forces are pulling back from the frontlines.

The militants have already stepped up attacks on government and foreign targets in recent weeks, with Afghan security forces bracing for what is expected to be the bloodiest fighting season in a decade.

It will be the first fighting season in which Afghan security forces will battle the insurgents without the full support of Nato combat forces.

‘The Islamic Emirate is going to launch the spring operations under the inspirational name of ‘Azm’ (determination) at 5:00am on 24th April 2015,’ the Taliban said in a statement, using their official name, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1358 HRS, APR 22, 2015
RR