| The Canadians are proving to be as effective and stalwart as we knew them to be. |
Backed by U.S. and British air power, Canadian and Afghan troops took turns moving through former insurgent outposts in the Panjwaii region, where Taliban are engaging in a "last stand," according to Lt.-Col. Omer Lavoie. Lavoie told The Canadian Press that advances by Canadian-led international troops from the north of the Taliban stronghold, along with a firm stand to the south, are punishing the insurgents.
"There's good indication that they are on the brink of collapse in a number of different areas," Lavoie said. "Like most insurgents, they don't have the sustainment ability to have long, protracted engagements. What we see is mostly hit-and-run tactics."
NATO's commander in southern Afghanistan, meanwhile, said allied forces have no intention of allowing the Taliban to escape, despite reports from local officials of an escape route to the west. "We've got the Taliban surrounded," said Canadian Brig.-Gen. David Fraser after a tour near the frontlines Saturday.
| And we don't mean that in the Saoodi way. |
On Friday, Canadian foot soldiers were sent scrambling for cover under a bridge as rocket-propelled grenades flew past overhead and landed a short distance away, reports CP. Small groups of Taliban fighters were testing the troops, triggering fiery exchanges and heavy bombardment. "As you can tell, we are answering back with authority," said Lieut. Jeff Bell, a platoon commander with the Royal Canadian Regiment based in Petawawa, Ont., who was among the first wave of soldiers to move ahead.
Military officials are revealing little about the operation. Many details cannot be reported by The Canadian Press under the embedding agreement that allows reporters to accompany Canadian troops on the front lines.