Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-01-09

Afghan Muslims have taken to the streets to protest the NATO-led forces move to storm a masjid and desecrate copies of the holy Qur’an.

The troubles started on Monday night (6 January), according to Afghan protesters, when members of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) raided a masjid in Saidabad district in Afghanistan’s central Wardak Province.

Angered by the move, residents poured into the streets to decry the heinous act, demanding withdrawal of the foreign forces from the war-torn Afghanistan.

“The foreign forces first raided a house in Serak area of Shanez Dara and later stormed a nearby mosque, desecrating copies of holy Quran,” a protester told Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) on Tuesday, January 7.

Chanting anti-US slogans, protesters have set fire to the American flag and posters of the US President Barack Obama.

Outraged residents also blocked the Kabul-Kandahar highway which passes through Wardak Province, requesting the trial of the assailants.

Official information about the Qur'an and masjid's desecration hasn't been confirmed, but the spokesman for Wardak governor, Attullah Khugyani, has confirmed the mass protests across the province.

Afghanistan was invaded by the United States following the 9/11 attacks.

Thirteen years on, Afghan officials and right activists say that the West's strategy has proved failure in putting the country on the "path of progress" as promised.

Amid turmoil, the Afghani government is facing a fierce opposition over signing the security deal which will secure the existence of US in Afghanistan, after the white house's promises of withdrawal by 2014.

(Twitter: @Faizie143)