Hundreds of French and Afghan troops pushed into a volatile valley east of the Afghan capital Sunday in an attempt to gain control of an area that has long been a haven for militants who launch quick attacks and then fade back into hillside villages.The force of about 700 French and 100 Afghan soldiers launched the offensive into the Tagab valley before dawn, one part from the north and another from the south, according to Col. Francis Chanson, head of the French marine infantry regiment.
Just 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Kabul, the Tagab valley is seen as a launching pad for attacks in the capital. The area also needs to be secure for a planned road that would bypass the capital for moving supplies from neighboring Pakistan to the north of the country, Chanson said. Construction has already begun in one of the safer parts of eastern Kapisa province.