The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
initiated anti-militants operation in Afghanistan's volatile
Helmand province on Sunday, a spokesman of the multinational force
said.
"An operation was launched early this morning in Musa Qala
district, which would continue to expand the security there," Toby
Jackman told newsmen here at a press conference.
This is the first NATO operation in south Afghanistan since
assuming the command from the US-led Coalition forces in the
troubled region on July 31.
Coalition forces had launched a massive offensive, the Operation
Mountain Thrust, against Taliban militants in Afghanistan's
southern provinces of Helmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan and Zabul during
the past one and half months.
More than 1,100 insurgents were killed, wounded or captured in
the operation, which was concluded following the handover.
But the security is still tough in the south as some 80 people,
including eight foreign soldiers, have been killed during the
latest violence this week.
"ISAF will not be deterred. ISAF would continue its mission to
bring security to Afghanistan within its area of operation," Major
Jackman emphasized.
Musa Qala and Nawzad, Sangin and Garmser districts of Helmand,
which are famous for poppy product and Taliban's activities, have
been the scene of increasing security incidents as six British
soldiers have been killed there over the past one month.
One day prior to the NATO's operation, dozens of suspected
Taliban militants ambushed Afghan and NATO-led troops on Saturday
in Garmser district, one of the two districts they briefly captured
last month, leaving 17 insurgents killed and seven others injured
after the heavy battle.
However, NATO, who has some 21,000 troops currently under its
command, is optimistic about the ongoing operation.
"Initial reports from the operation are very positive and
details will be available in the course," the British spokesman of
the troops said.
(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2006)
