Ahead of 9/11, Taliban vow to keep fighting

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/9839849

Associated Press= KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban on Saturday vowed to keep fighting against U.S. forces in Afghanistan until all American troops leave the country and stressed that their movement had no role in the Sept. 11 attacks.

In a statement emailed to media, the Taliban accused the United States of using Sept. 11 attacks as a pretext to invade Afghanistan and said the international community was responsible for killing thousands of Afghans during the invasion and ensuing occupation.

"Each year, 9/11 reminds the Afghans of an event in which they had no role whatsoever," the Taliban said. "American colonialism has shed the blood of tens of thousands of miserable and innocent Afghans."

The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan on Oct. 7, 2001, after the Taliban, who then ruled the country, refused to hand over Osama bin Laden.