implement the 4th Geneva Convention

residents complain the security situation has further deteriorated in the wake of Operation Mushtarak. The people say they do not venture out of their houses to avoid being attacked by the fighters and security forces. We are under threat from the Taliban for cooperating with foreign troops, said Haji Aminullah, a Marja resident. He added they had never confronted such a situation over the past 30 years.

An official of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) accused the militants of attacking troops from civilian houses. Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News on the condition of anonymity, he alleged foreign troops had also been targeting civilian houses. He went on to blame the NATO soldiers for failing to protect ordinary citizens during operations against militants. Under these circumstances, a large number of families have fled their houses, migrating to Lashkargah, the official said.

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