150 US soldiers’ families drag MTN to court over infractions

About 150 families of US soldiers fighting in Afghanistan have instituted a court case against MTN Group Limited for contravening US’s anti-terrorism, seeking for an unspecified amount in damages.

These are families of US soldiers and civilians who were either killed or wounded due to the war in the country. Five other entities were indicted in the suit.

The families have accused the South African telecom company (and the parent company of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc) of contravening America’s anti-terrorism law.

In specific terms, the company went the extra miles by allegedly paying bribes to top Taliban officials to stop them from bombing the telco’s facilities in war-torn Afghanistan.

MTN was also accused of providing material support to the terrorists when the company allegedly deactivated cell phone towers at the behest of the Taliban.

The company, which apparently operates in war-torn Afghanistan, reportedly resorted to collaborating with the Taliban in order to avoid incurring costly security fees for its transmission masts.

It should be noted that for many years, US soldiers have been battling members of the terrorist Taliban set who have been instrumental in orchestrating the chaos in the landlocked Asian country. Therefore, paying any form of bribe to the insurgent group for the purpose of protection is being viewed as an act against US terrorism laws.

MTN has reacted to the lawsuit, stating on Monday that it was reviewing the details of the suit. However, the company stressed that it “conducts its business in a responsible and compliant manner in all its territories” and will defend itself if necessary.

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