Karzai wants immediate halt to NATO night raids

Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday demanded an immediate halt to controversial NATO-led night raids and for foreign forces to stop entering Afghan homes, his spokesman said.

The comments come after NATO on Monday defended the operations as the safest way of targeting insurgent leaders, insisting they will continue but with the increasing involvement of Afghan special forces.

"The president of Afghanistan wants an immediate halt to the night raids and house searches of Afghans," presidential spokesman Aimal Faizi said.

"He doesn't want any foreigner to go to the homes of Afghans and search their homes."

Night-time raids are one of the most contentious issues in Afghanistan.

Karzai has led public criticism, saying they endanger lives and harass local communities, and repeatedly called on international forces to stop entering Afghan homes. Read More