Karzai stresses need to attack sanctuaries

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai says the fight against militants must target their sanctuaries instead of villages where civilians are affected.

Speaking to a visiting U.N. Security Council delegation, Karzai said the NATO-led coalition forces had neglected the militants' sanctuaries since 2004 when his country noticed rising terrorist activities, Xinhua news agency reported.

"So, I hope now that the international community pays more attention to the question of sanctuaries," he was quoted as saying, adding civilian casualties remain an extremely serious matter for his government.

The delegation is on a fact-finding mission and includes representatives from 14 other countries, the report said.

Geo TV reported Karzai urged the international community to set a time line to end the war in his country.