Mullah Omar calls for jehad, defeat of 'invaders'

KABUL: Taliban chief Mullah Omar has called on his fellow Afghans to wage a united jehad or 'holy war' on western soldiers in Afghanistan and urged them to prepare the defeat of the 'invaders'.
 
That meant that Afghans across the country would have to put aside their tribal, linguistic and regional differences first.
 
The address, the authenticity of which could not be verified, was posted on the Internet and elsewhere Saturday and comes on the eve of Afghanistan's Independence Day.
 
He added, "As the freedom fight is going on well in the country, there is sign of panic in enemies' fronts and their international partners are retreating, in this sensitive time."
 
Mullah Omar also called on Afghans working with the government, parliament or senate, in the provincial council or with the police, army or intelligence 'to join their brothers who struggle for the freedom of the country'.
 
He congratulated his fellow Afghans on the 88th year of independence from former British forces, but said, "Our country is once again occupied by the same forces," adding, "Our homes are destroyed, our children have become orphans, our courageous fighters are martyred... and thousands of invading forces are stationed in our country and our air space is covered with their aircraft."
 
Mullah Omar also called on Taliban fighters to try to win the hearts of the people, "You should try with all of your ability to avoid harming people during your jehadi operations."
 
Taliban attacks and operations by international forces in Afghanistan have claimed many civilian lives. Analysts say that the insurgents consciously hazard fatalities among civilians in order to destabilise the central government in Kabul.