Red Cross says security deteriorating in Afghanistan, as foreign militaries prepare to withdraw

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/04/18/international-red-cross-warns-security-deteriorating-amid-spring-violence-in/

Red Cross says security deteriorating in Afghanistan, as foreign militaries prepare to withdraw
Published April 18, 2013
Associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Committee of the Red Cross warned on Thursday that security was deteriorating across Afghanistan as militants flood the battlefield and conduct attacks in what could be the most defining spring fighting season of the nearly 12-year-old war.

This year is crucial for Afghanistan as the U.S.-led coalition is expected to hand over the lead for security in Afghanistan to the country's security forces sometime in the late spring. Foreign military forces are then expected to begin a massive withdrawal of forces that will culminate at the end of next year.

Gherardo Pontrandolfi, head of the ICRC delegation in Kabul, also urged the warring parties to prevent the deaths of civilians, who have become increasingly caught in the crossfire.

"Spring is a good season of the year usually. But unfortunately it has a negative connotation with the resumption of the fighting," he said. "Spring and summer will be very difficult for civilians especially in the months ahead. The civilian population is bearing the brunt of this conflict."