Koran burning continues to cause violence. Nine dead in suicide attack in Jalalabad
Kabul (AsiaNews) - Nine dead and 12 injured is the toll from this morning's attack on the military airport in Jalalabad (eastern Afghanistan). Six civilians were also among the victims. The bomber broke through the gates on board a car and detonated the bomb during the changing of the guard, to kill as many soldiers as possible. The suicide attack was immediately claimed by the Taliban in a statement that defined the act as "revenge for the burning of the Koran", which took place on February 20 in the military base at Bagram. Meanwhile, anti-American that have rocked the major cities of Afghanistan have led to 30 victims so far.
The terrorist attack in Jalalabad has prompted Britain and France to bring home all the officials working in various ministries of the Afghan government. Sources told AsiaNews that "on the streets of Kabul there is an anti-Western climate. Non-afghans are afraid to go out. The foreign diplomat staff is barred in the embassies."
According to sources, the resentment of the population towards the U.S. and foreign troops is growing and is fueled by local media. In these days all the newspapers have pointed the finger at the police accused of firing on their fellow citizens. "The Taliban - say sources - are relying on population and opposition parties to oust foreign troops from the country and discredit the government. They want to show the Afghans what they expect in the future: A police state, secularism and lack of with respect to religion. "
The sources point out that in the capital there is the fear of new and more powerful attacks, even against non-military targets. "The burning of the Koran - they continue - was a very dangerous and irresponsible act that could arouse resentment against the United States and NATO troops across the region, particularly in Pakistan, causing serious repercussions on the possibility of a lasting peace in the country" .
To avoid further violence, Hamid Karzai, Afghan president, while condemning once again the burning of sacred books, has today called on all people to remain calm. "Now that we showed our feelings - he said - it is time to be calm and quiet." (SC)
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