US commander warns Karzai remarks may fuel violence

KABUL (AFP) - The US commander in Afghanistan has warned troops that they face an increased threat of attack after a series of inflammatory anti-US comments by President Hamid Karzai.

Nato's International Assistance Security Force (ISAF) on Thursday confirmed the contents of a strongly-worded advisory sent by US General Joseph Dunford to his senior commanders on Wednesday.

Mr Karzai on Sunday accused the United States of colluding with militants to justify its presence in Afghanistan and banned international troops from university campuses due to unproven claims of harassment of students.

"Karzai's remarks could be a catalyst for some to lash out against our forces - he may also issue orders that put our forces at risk," Gen Dunford said in the advisory, which was obtained by The New York Times.