Taliban video game sparks outrage

LONDON - A video game in which the players pretend to be heavily armed Taliban guerrillas has sparked anger, with British Defence Secretary Liam Fox calling for a ban and a security expert stating that “the Afghanistan campaign isn’t a game - it’s happening”.

The video game is the updated version of “Medal Of Honour” that is scheduled to be available in October. The game allows players to `attack’ brave British Forces in Afghanistan using AK-47 rifles.

The players are reportedly told to stop the security forces “at all costs”, and they are awarded points for each Allied soldier they kill.

Defence Secretary Liam Fox called for a ban on the game.

“It’s shocking someone would think it acceptable to recreate the acts of the Taliban,” The Sun Monday quoted Fox as saying.

Security adviser Andy McNab called the video game “insensitive” and added: “The Afghanistan campaign isn’t a game - it’s happening.”

However, a spokesperson for the game’s developer Electronic Arts said: “It reflects the fact every conflict has two sides.”