Pathologist: Taliban Mostly Recruits Afghans With Disabilities For Suicide Bombings
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN--National Public Radio's Morning Edition reported Monday that most of the increasing number of Taliban suicide bombers in Afghanistan are believed to have had physical or mental disabilities.
NPR quoted forensic pathologist Dr. Yusuf Yadgari, who claims that, based on autopsies performed on the remains of recent suicide bombers, nearly 90 percent had a disability or medical condition such as leprosy.
"They are probably resentful because in Afghan society they are outcasts," Dr.Yadgari said. "They hold a grudge because many of them can't get a job. So, to make money for their families, they agree to become suicide bombers."
He added that it is often difficult to identify those who have successfully carried out suicide missions for the Taliban because they seldom carry identification, and family members seldom come forward to claim their remains.
News services have not been able to confirm Yadgari's claims, which were first announced in May of this year. Canada's Globe and Mail reported, however, that his findings were consistent with the number of would-be suicide bombers whose missions have failed, either because they have changed their minds or because they have been stopped by law enforcement or soldiers.
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