Reply #3: And the US drops leaflets (link)

[Eye and Monkey]

12 Apr 2004 06:58:23 GMT
U.S. forces appeal to Afghans against Taliban

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By Saeed Ali Achakzai

SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan, April 12 (Reuters) - U.S.-led forces have air-dropped leaflets on Afghan border areas seeking intelligence on al Qaeda and Taliban militants, residents said on Monday.

Jets dropped thousands of leaflets featuring a picture of a rebel carrying a shoulder-held rocket launcher and a message in Persian and Pashtu urging Afghans to inform on the Taliban, al Qaeda and forces loyal to renegade commander Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.

"The attacks on allied forces are an obstacle to delivering humanitarian aid to your area," said one of the leaflets seen by Reuters.

Up to one third of the country, mainly the south and east, is effectively off-limits to foreign aid workers due to the security threat posed by Islamic militants, an increasing concern as the country heads towards elections in September.

"To enable the continued supply of humanitarian aid, inform the allied forces about the Taliban, al Qaeda and Gulbuddin," read another leaflet, with a picture of an Afghan girl carrying a sack of relief goods.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/ISL16267.htm