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KABUL: The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Taliban militants to “immediately” stop attacking on the cities of Afghanistan and avoid efforts to seize the power by force.
Taliban’s lightning advances have made the people of Afghanistan and international community worried about a dark and violent future for the country which has been the scene of bloody wars for more than 40 years.
The insurgents managed to take control of 20 provincial capitals in less than 10 days, including the large cities like Herat, Kandahar and Kunduz that are considered as economic hub bordering the neighboring states.
In a speech in New York, Guterres, said that the Afghan war parties should adhere to their commitments in protecting of civilians in the battles.
The UN chief also called on Taliban to join the negotiation table as soon as possible.
He warned that the situation in Afghanistan is going to be out of control, saying that the civilian casualties are increasing day after day and women and children making up most of the victims.
Guterres said that more than 1,000 civilians were killed and injured in the country in July alone, adding that civilians were targeted discriminately in the provinces of Herat, Kandahar and Helmand.
“The ongoing war between Taliban and Afghan forces in the remote urban areas inflict heavy casualties on the civilians,” the UN chief said.
He expressed concerns over violating of human rights by Taliban fighters in the areas held by their fighters.
“The clear message by the international community is that any efforts to seize power by force will pave the ground for a civil war.”
