The Taliban are sending young, untrained `jehad` (holy war) volunteers back to Pakistan as the Islamic militia withdraws from its major strongholds, fighters returning from Afghanistan said. About 75 young men crossed at the Chaman frontier post in southwest Pakistan, according to witnesses, adding to more than 300 who filed home.
Thousands of volunteers are said to have entered Afghanistan since the US-led bombing campaign began on October 7. Jehad recruiters in Quetta said thousands more were awaiting a call from the Taliban.
While some are trained in warfare, most are not. They are educated in the use of weapons at Madrassa schools – informal educational institutions which teach the Koran -- in Pakistan and sent to Afghanistan for hands-on military training. They told us to go back for Ramadan, said one man, referring to the Muslim holy month, which starts on Saturday.
We will return when the call comes. It is only a temporary success for the northern alliance and the United States.
The opposition Northern Alliance has captured the capital Kabul and vast swathes of the north.
Many of the young men in Baluchistan province believe the most glorious death of all is while fighting a holy war.
Bureau Report