More on yesterday's activity...
Afghan troops backed by US-led forces killed up to 50 suspected Taliban on Monday in ground and air raids in southeastern Afghanistan, a local official said. âIn this operation 40 to 50 Taliban were killed and their bodies are still laying on the ground,â a spokesman for the Zabul provincial government, Ahmadullah Watan Dost, told AFP by satellite telephone. Some 1,000 Afghan soldiers supported by dozens of US-led coalition troops were on the first day of an anti-guerilla operation in Zabulâs Dai Chopan district, 300 kilometres southwest of Kabul. The operation was executed against suspected Taliban and Al Qaeda bases in Dai Chopanâs Dozi mountains. The bases were âsmashed to dustâ by coalition bombing, he said, adding that there were no reported Afghan or coalition casualties. âIn this operation coalition forces helped up with their close air support and they bombed the Taliban bases and smashed them to dust,â he said. Five suspected Taliban were also arrested.
| "Smashed to dust." That has a good ring to it... |
Meanwhile, about 600 mostly US troops, backed by helicopter gunships, have been searching house-to-house for the past four days in Paktika province and arrested more than 80 people, said Khan Sayed, spokesman for the provincial police chief. Mr Sayed said the operation was centred in Urgun district. Of the arrested suspects, those found to be innocent would be allowed to return home, while those believed guilty would be sent to Kabul, he said. |