Taleban threaten to shoot down aircraft

Taleban militants have warned that they will shoot down any civilian aircraft using Afghan airspace. Self-proclaimed spokesman for the Taleban Abdul Hai Mutmaen claimed that the Taleban had acquired modern anti-aircraft systems. He warned said any country that has not sent troops to Afghanistan to instruct its civilian aircraft to steer clear of the country, as the insurgents cannot differentiate them from “enemy” planes. He also denied reports that Pakistan is mediating between the United States and the Taleban, saying the group would not talk to the Americans until US troops leave Afghanistan.