The Afghan government Sunday launched a scheme to offer rewards of up to 10,000 dollars for tip-offs that thwart insurgent attacks in Kabul, as the city braces for new militant strikes. The scheme is aimed at pulling the public into securing the city after several insurgent attacks, including February 11 strikes on three government buildings that left 26 people and eight attackers dead.
Through advertisements in the media and posters the government is offering half-a-million afghani (10,000 dollars) for information leading to the arrest of militants planning attacks in Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Zemarai Bashary told AFP. "This is a new initiative to fight terrorist activities and get people involved in strengthening the Kabul city security," he said.
"The terrorists don't come from the sky to get into the city, they come from somewhere," he said. The scheme is similar to the US "Rewards for Justice" programme that offers cash for information that stops attacks or results in the capture of men like al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and Taliban chief Mullah Mohammad Omar.
A Taliban-led insurgency saw a record number of attacks in Afghanistan last year, despite the presence of tens of thousands of international troops. Insurgents are most active in southern and eastern Afghanistan but Kabul saw several major attacks and is readying for more this year.
Security measures have been ramped up in the city with government offices, military barracks and foreign embassies surrounded by concrete walls and armed guards, and some areas sealed off to the public.