U.S. Afghanistan Commander Warns Karzai Comments May Fuel Violence

U.S. General Joseph Dunford (file photo)

The NATO-led International Assistance Security Force (ISAF) has confirmed the contents of an advisory sent by the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan that warns troops to be ready for increased violence.

General Joseph Dunford's e-mail said remarks made by Afghan President Hamid Karzai could be a "catalyst for some to lash out at our forces."

On March 10, Karzai accused Washington of colluding with the Taliban to keep the country unstable and give foreign forces an excuse to stay beyond 2014.

"The New York Times" first published Dunford's advisory on March 13, which said Karzai "may also issue orders that put our forces at risk."

In its March 14 statement, ISAF called Dunford’s advisory "prudent."

Seven U.S. military personnel died in two incidents on March 11, the deadliest day for NATO troops in Afghanistan this year.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP