NATO, Afghan Troops Push into Taliban Stronghold
Sean Maroney | Islamabad 13 February 2010
U.S.-led NATO troops and Afghan forces launched a much anticipated ground offensive early Saturday in southern Afghanistan. The operation is codenamed "Moshtarak," which in Dari means "together." Its goal is to regain control of one of the Taliban's largest remaining strongholds. Afghan officials say 20 suspected militants have been killed so far. NATO said roadside bombs killed three American service members and another soldier Saturday, while a fifth soldier was shot and killed.
About 15,000 U.S. Marines, NATO troops and Afghan soldiers stormed the Taliban stronghold of Marjah in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province.
US Army Lieutenant Ryan Eagle said they met only scattered resistance but faced a barrage of bombs and booby traps.
"It was limited resistance. No real resistance - much less than was expected. We did find several IEDs and bombs and things like that," he said.
In a news conference Saturday, the head of the coalition forces' southern command, British Major General Nick Carter, said Afghan President Hamid Karzai personally endorsed the mission prior to its launching.
In a statement, President Karzai urged coalition forces to "exercise absolute caution" to avoid civilian casualties.
He also repeated his call to the Taliban to renounce violence and reintegrate back into civilian society.
Officials estimate that there are anywhere from a few hundred to up to 1,000 Taliban fighters deeply entrenched in the area.
The Taliban-controlled town of 80,000 people is a stronghold for the insurgents in their southern heartland and is key to their lucrative opium-smuggling network.
U.S. Army Corporal John Beatley spoke to a local resident through an interpreter about the mission.
"Tell the Taliban that they are not welcome in this area anymore. Tell him that we are here now and we want to help them get their freedom back," he said.
NATO announced the offensive more than a week ago, in order to warn residents to leave the area. Coalition officials say the "strongest measures" will be taken to protect civilians.
The offensive is the largest combat operation since U.S. President Barack Obama ordered 30,000 troop reinforcements to Afghanistan in December.
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