US Criticizes Afghainstan for Ordering Release of Detainees

Being held for attacks on civilians

In a rare public rebuke, the United States has sharply criticized the Afghan government for ordering the release of several dozen detainees who are being held in connection with attacks on Afghan civilians, government security forces and coalition troops.

The proposed release is "a major step backward in further developing the rule of law in Afghanistan," according to a statement from U.S. Forces-Afghanistan released Monday. It described the men as "dangerous insurgents who have Afghan blood on their hands."

The dispute comes amid increasing tensions between the United States and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, whose frequent outbursts against U.S. policy has frustrated Washington.