Washington, Aug 11 (Xinhua) Signalling a major shift in the US anti-drug policy in Afghanistan, the Pentagon has listed 50 Afghan drug lords with ties to the Taliban on a “hit list” to be captured or killed.
The US military planners say it is crucial to disrupt the flow of drug money into the hands of Taliban.
They told the Senate that two credible sources and substantial additional evidence were required before a name was placed on the list. Only those supporting the insurgency will be targeted.
The 50 drug lords are among 367 individuals in Afghanistan to be captured or killed, a Senate Foreign Relations Committee report said Monday.
The disclosure of the “hit list” may lead to criticism among the public over the nature of US mission in that country, analysts said.
US allies have already raised questions about Pentagon’s strategy of hitting individuals who are not traditional military targets.
