Oz Muslim leader calls troops in Afghanistan 'terrorists'

Melbourne, Oct. 23 (ANI): A Muslim leader in Australia has branded the country's troops as the "real terrorists" in Afghanistan.

Uthman Badar, spokesman for the controversial Muslim group Hizb ut-Tahrir, said Aussie troops were cannon fodder for an "American war for American political and economic interests".

The mother of an Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan hit back, describing Hizb ut-Tahrir as "crackpots".

Margaret Gunnell, whose son, Private Timothy Aplin, 38, was one of three commandos killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in June, said the war was crucial in stopping al-Qaida rebuilding its base and shutting down the brutal Taliban regime.

"I am just grieving for the loss of my son but I believe he was there for a cause and purpose. Australian and coalition forces are there so the people aren't oppressed," the Herald Sun quoted Gunnell, as saying.

"These crackpots, they wouldn't have the freedom to say things like this if they were in Afghanistan," she added.

The Hizb ut-Tahrir wants the immediate withdrawal of Australian troops from Afghanistan. (ANI)