The Taliban on Monday vowed to target government security forces in upcoming parliamentary elections, as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with Afghan leaders. Describing the polls as a “malicious American conspiracy,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the militants would pull no punches to disrupt the long-delayed ballot scheduled for October 20, AFP reported. The latest declaration comes days before the parliamentary election, which is seen as a crucial dry run for next year’s presidential vote. Khalilzad is meeting with Afghan leaders for the first time since his appointment last month to steer peace efforts with the militants.