Islam Times - Afghans hold demo to protest against abuses by US-led forces

Islam Times - People have taken to the streets in central Afghanistan to express their outrage against the alleged abuses committed by US Special Forces against civilians.

The rally was held on Tuesday in the province of Wardak where demonstrators chanted anti-US slogans.

Anger is rising among Afghans over the mistreatment of locals, the desecration of Islamic holy places, and the killing of civilians by US-led foreign troops across the war-torn country. The Afghans have held numerous protests against the foreign forces.

The protests came after Afghan President Hamid Karzai issued a statement on Sunday saying that “it became clear that armed individuals named as US Special Force stationed in Wardak province engage in harassing, annoying, torturing and even murdering innocent people.”

On Monday, an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) spokesman, Gen. Gunter Katz, rejected Karzai's allegations saying, “Over the past few weeks there have been various allegations of special forces conducting themselves in an unprofessional manner” in Wardak.

He added that "so far, we could not find evidence that would support these allegations."

The US invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 under the pretext of combating terrorism.

The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country despite the presence of thousands of US-led soldiers.