Taliban book lays down fighter codes
Taliban code of conduct for fighters issued in Afghanistan, says Al Jazeera
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By inthenews. |  |
Monday, 27, Jul 2009 05:30
The Taliban in Afghanistan have issued a book which lays down a code of conduct for its fighters, according to Al Jazeera.
The broadcaster said it has obtained a copy of the book which "further indicates that Mullah Omar, the movement's leader, wants to centralise its operations".
Al Jazeera reported the book has 13 chapters and 67 articles, which talk of limiting suicide attacks, avoiding civilian casualties and "winning the battle for the hearts and minds of the local civilian population".
Despite using suicide bombs in a number of attacks across Afghanistan, it is reported the Taliban book says this form of offensive should only be used on high and important targets.
"A brave son of Islam should not be used for lower and useless targets. The utmost effort should be made to avoid civilian casualties," the book says.
There is also information on how the Taliban treat their prisoners, saying "whenever any official, soldier, contractor or worker of the slave government is captured, these prisoners cannot be attacked or harmed".
Al Jazeera's correspondent James Bays said every fighter is being issued the pocket book entitled "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Rules for Mujahideen".
Mr Bays said: "The reference to winning over the hearts of the Afghan people is very similar to language used by Nato-led military forces in the country.
"Recently the Nato commander here issued a new tactical directive saying that civilians should not be bombed - almost the same words in these regulations to Taliban fighters.
"Both sides [are] trying to win over the civilian population in their area."
The book may have been timed to coincide with the upcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan.