Afghan President Hamid Karzai has again called for reconciliation talks with Taleban militants.
In remarks to people gathered at the main Shi'ite mosque in Kabul Monday, Mr. Karzai referred to what he called "the enemy who wants our destruction and sheds our blood." He did not refer to the Taleban by name.
The Afghan leader has made similar offers of talks before, but Taleban leaders have rebuffed them.
Last year saw a dramatic increase in Taleban militant attacks against U.S., NATO and Afghan forces in Afghanistan. At least four thousand people were killed in insurgency-related violence.
U.S. and NATO military leaders in the country are warning of a new Taleban offensive in the coming months, as the snows thaw and mountain roads become more accessible.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP .