KABUL (BNO NEWS) – General David Petraeus on Tuesday said that threats by a U.S. church to burn copies of the Qur’an to commemorate the terrorist attacks on September 11 would put U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Americans worldwide in danger.

Dove World Outreach Center, a self-professed non-denominational church, told BNO News that it plans to burn around 200 Qu’rans and expects hundreds of attendees on September 11. The church has apparently been collecting Qu’rans to burn, despite the Gainesville Fire Department refusing to give a permit to the church for the bonfire. “We have around 200 [Qu’rans] right now,” a church member said.

General David Petraeus warned, following a massive protest in Afghanistan, that the burning could be used by extremists in Afghanistan and around the world to “inflame public opinion and incite violence.”

“I am very concerned by the potential repercussions. Even the rumor that it might take place has sparked demonstrations such as the one that took place in Kabul. Were the actual burning to take place, the safety of our soldiers and civilians would be put in jeopardy and accomplishment of the mission would be made more difficult,” General Petraeus said. “It is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses and could cause significant problems.”

NATO Chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen also criticized the plans, saying that burning Qu’rans violated the NATO alliance’s values. “There is a risk that it may also have a negative impact on security for our troops,” he is reported as saying.

Claims that U.S. soldiers have desecrated the Koran in Afghanistan and Iraq has caused bloodshed in the past, such as when there were deadly protests in Afghanistan in 2008 when a U.S. soldier shot a copy of the Islam holy book full of holes.

Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center was unavailable for immediate comment.

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