Afghan Taliban announce spring military offensive

Taliban insurgents announced the launch of a new offensive Saturday, saying they would infiltrate Afghan and foreign forces and their bases "in a systematic and coordinated manner."

The operation will be launched in nationwide"against the transgressing invaders and their degenerate backers" beginning Sunday, a rebel statement said.

April 28 marks the commemoration of the overthrow of Soviet-backed Mohammad Najibullah's government in 1992. That was also the start of the ensuing civil war.

The Taliban said they would launch operations targeting foreign troops, military airbases and embassies "in order to detain or inflict heavy casualties on the foreign transgressors."

It warned officials to stop working for the government of President Hamid Karzai, and offered security for those who quit and join the rebel ranks.

The statement also called on religious figures and tribal elders to "keep the youth away from joining the ranks of America's mercenary programs" - the national army and police.

The United Nations earlier this week said civilian casualties were up by nearly 30 per cent in the first three months of the year, compared to the same period in 2012.