AFGHANS RALLY CONDEMNS QUR’AN DESECRATION BY US-LED FORCES

Kabul, 6 Rabi’al – Awal 1435/7 January 2014 (MINA) – Large crowds of protesters have staged a massive rally against US forces after they raided a mosque in the troubled southwestern Afghanistan and desecrated the Holy Qur’an.

Local Afghan security officials said a large number of protesters poured into the streets of the Wardak Province on Tuesday, chanting anti-American slogans and torching American flags and effigies of US President Barack Obama.

The protesters also blocked the road between Kabul and Kandahar which passes through the Wardak Province. Press Tv quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Locals say American forces stormed a mosque in a village overnight and desecrated the Muslims’ holy book.

This is not the first time that US troops have defiled the Qur’an. In recent years, they have burned copies of the holy book, prompting massive street protests and drawing condemnations from top Afghan officials.

The recent desecration of the Holy Qur’an has fueled fresh anti-American sentiment across war-weary Afghanistan.

The demonstrators also showed their opposition to a security deal on the future of the US military involvement in the country. The security treaty between Washington and Kabul will pave the way for a prolonged US military presence in Afghanistan.

Washington had promised to withdraw all combat forces from Afghanistan by 2014. However, it has been locked in tricky negotiations with Kabul over a strategic partnership beyond 2014.

The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity remains across the country. (T/P012/P04)

Mi’rajNews Agency (MINA)