Karzai bans troops from seeking airstrikes

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Critics expressed worries yesterday that President Hamid Karzai's order barring Afghan security forces from requesting international airstrikes during operations in residential areas could hobble government troops even as they prepare to take over full responsibility for security from international forces.

Underscoring the troops' dependence on warplanes and helicopters, the U.S.-led coalition said yesterday that an airstrike last week killed an Afghan soldier-turned-insurgent who was feted by the Taliban for killing an American soldier during an insider attack last year.

Karzai officially issued the order yesterday, two days after promising to do so amid anger over a NATO airstrike requested by the national intelligence service that local officials said killed at least 10 civilians.

The U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, said he believes the coalition can operate effectively despite the ban.

Afghans currently lead about 90 percent of military operations nationwide and will fully take charge in the spring, as U.S. and other foreign combat forces withdraw by the end of 2014. However, they remain heavily dependent on the coalition for air support and medical evacuations in areas where the Taliban and other militants often enjoy local support.

The ban also runs counter to Afghan requests for NATO to supply their forces with aircraft capable of carrying out airstrikes. The Afghan military has repeatedly implored the United States for jet fighters.

Some analysts said the ban could prompt the savvy Taliban to use it by increasingly taking shelter among civilians in cities and villages.

"We don't have the ability to support our forces on the ground," said former Afghan Gen. Amrullah Aman. "These insurgents are using Afghan houses as bunkers and innocent children are being killed. The insurgents will hear that the decree has been issued and feel safe." -- AP