KABUL ( 2008-03-25 20:07:27 ) :
The Afghan defence ministry said on Tuesday its security forces were stronger than ever this year and dismissed a Taliban threat to expand its operations countrywide starting this spring.
The US-funded Afghan army in particular was in a "very, very good position" compared with a year ago, it said, describing the Taliban as fragile.
A Taliban representative called media with a statement said to be from one of the insurgent movement's most senior members, Mullah Bradar, to announce Operation Ebrat, which means "lesson" in Pashtu.
"This will be a new type of operation to expand operations countrywide and surround the enemy wherever they are and encounter them," according to the statement read to an AFP reporter over the telephone.
It said the Taliban's war would continue until international troops left Afghanistan and President Hamid Karzai's administration collapsed.
The defence ministry said the announcement was part "of a psychological campaign and not a reality which could implemented on the ground."
"The national army has significantly improved in terms of capability, capacity and skills compared to the beginning of last year," it said, referring to the start of the Afghan year on March 20.
"New and modern equipment has been given to the national army. The air force has been revived and activated."
Afghan National Army (ANA) Commando battalions have been formed and engineering battalions are working across the country, it said, adding that international forces are providing security.
The Taliban had meanwhile lost its leading figures, it said, claiming there were also disputes in the group's ranks.
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