Taliban militants on Thursday called upon Afghans to boycott the coming presidential election scheduled for August 20.

"We are calling on all Afghans to boycott the sham election sponsored by Untied States and instead support the fronts of Jihad (holy war) against the invaders," a statement released by militants to media in south Afghanistan said.

The two- article statement bearing the emblem of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan the name of Taliban ousted regime also added that, "The Mujahidin (holy warriors) would block all the highways and roads for public and private vehicles one day before election."

It further said that the Mujahidin in addition to stopping people from going to polling stations would intensify attacks against government interests.

In the statement, released in Pashtu the language of Taliban leadership, the militants described the international troops as " U.S.-led occupying force" adding the Mujahidin would continue to defeat the occupying troops.

The warning by Taliban issued just days after the Afghan government as well as United Nations urged Afghans to attend the coming presidential and provincial councils' election.

Afghanistan's second presidential election in the post-Taliban country is going to be held amid tight security on August 20.

Untied States and some more of NATO member countries have vowed to ensure security for Afghan election by deploying more troops in the war-torn country.

(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2009)