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Afghanistan
2 Taliban commanders killed in Afghanistan
2006-02-04
Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Yusof Stanizai told RFE/RL today that two Taliban leaders were among those killed in ongoing fighting between government troops and militants in Afghanistan's southern Helmand Province. Stanizai told RFE/RL's Afghan Service, "Two well-known Taliban commanders, Mullah Torjan and Haji Nasru, are among those enemy forces who were killed today [during clashes in Helmand]."

Stanizai also told RFE/RL that at least 30 Taliban militants were killed in the fighting.

Stanizai said coalition forces on the ground were supported by U.S. air strikes during a series of battles that started on 2 February. Stanizai confirmed that three Afghan police were also killed in the clashes. Helmand Deputy Governor Mullah Mir said the battle was still in progress today and that the government has sent reinforcements to the area. He said there were some 200 Taliban militants involved in the fighting.

Helmand Province has been a haven for insurgents. Clashes between government forces and militants are common.
Posted by:Dan Darling

#3  CentCom press release is up. Sounds like a pretty big fight, but no confirmation of the claim of killing Taliban commanders. Yet.

EIGHT DETAINED IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN FIGHTING

Release Date: 2/4/2006
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Eight enemy fighters were detained and a motorcycle destroyed after Afghan and U.S. forces attacked enemy forces who fired on a government complex in Afghanistan ’s Helmand province.

Six Afghan National Police were killed as were an unknown number of enemy forces. Battle damage assessment continues, officials said.

Close-air support was called to the scene of the attack. British Harriers, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and B-52 Stratofortress aircraft responded to the scene attacking enemy positions forcing them to flee into a nearby town.

“Afghan and coalition forces reacted quickly to these events,” said Army Lt. Col. Jerry O’Hara, Combined Joint Task Force-76 spokesman. “Our forces will continue our aggressive attacks on the enemy whenever and wherever they attempt to conduct their operations.”
Posted by: Glenmore   2006-02-04 17:47  

#2  Do bear in mind that this announcement came from an Afghan government spokesman; they have been known to issue premature or inflated assessments of battle damage. Season with salt until the US confirms.
Posted by: Glenmore   2006-02-04 08:44  

#1  
Me likes the sound of a running battle, especially since we manuver way faster.
Helmand Province,afghanistan
click to enlarge and scroll down.
Posted by: RD   2006-02-04 02:57  

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