Posted on 06/14/2006 12:31:19 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
Huge anti-Taliban operation under way in Afghanistan
6 minutes ago
Coalition and Afghan forces are conducting their biggest counterinsurgency operation since the Taliban regime fell in late 2001 and are preparing to move into new insurgent strongholds, the coalition announced.
The campaign, named Operation Mountain Thrust, was launched in southern Afghanistan in mid-May, coalition spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Paul Fitzpatrick told AFP. Information about the campaign had been under wraps.
Involving 11,000 coalition troops -- including from Britain, Canada and the United States -- as well as Afghan soldiers, it is the biggest operation against the Taliban since the movement's government was toppled in late 2001.
"We have been conducting Operation Mountain Thrust since mid-May, disrupting the Taliban insurgents in southern Afghanistan, specifically their leadership," Fitzpatrick said on Wednesday.
"We are moving to the next phase of the operation in the northern provinces of southern Afghanistan," he said.
There was no specific date, he said. "There is no grand landing like Normandy Beach. This is part of a continuing campaign."
The operation was timed to coincide with the looming transfer of command in southern Afghanistan from the US-led coalition to NATO's International Security Assistance Force, he said.
It was intended to "set the conditions" for the transfer due in late July or early August, he said.
There was a dramatic upsurge in insurgency-linked violence in southern Afghanistan in mid-May with Taliban fighters taking on the security forces in some of their biggest battles in years.
The security forces in turn launched major strikes. About 400 people, most of the insurgents, were killed in a roughly two-week stretch.
That may be sooner than they think (or want to let on.)
We were just now outside and heard some firefight going on right here in town. The U.S. and Iraqi forces are in the midst of a big clampdown on Baghdad. I hope those sounds we just heard was that of terrorists being wasted.
And I'm willing to bet that it was.
How about a week before the court imposed 'silent period' for political speech before an election? That way the electorate would go to the polls feeling good about our side. (Not that the democrats/msm would observe such a law.)
American warrior was killed in southern Helmand province - The second warrior (nationality not released yet) was killed in eastern Kunar province Tuesday -
What I wonder is WHY is everybody telling the bad guys what the plans are to do next? Isn't that a little counterproductive? I wondered this when I heard it on FOXNews this morning that the offensive will be launched tomorrow by Afghani forces. . .
Yeah, but the German entry into Paris came after the French humiliated Prussia at Jena in 1806. This resulted in an upswing of German nationalism, and the innovations of the Prussian Army, including the invention of the modern General Staff, which the French didn't cotton onto until their defeat in 1870-1871. The French are not cowards; they just sometimes on the wrong end of military innovation.
Seem to have grasped the surrender concept pretty well... Strategically they're cowards. The last time they won any battle was when an Italian (Sicilian) was at the helm. And Italy hasn't seen much victory either since Caesar.
I believe some terrorists were wasted too. The president was just giving an overview of this operation in his presser about his Iraq visit. Also outlined PM Maliki's plans and kept emphasizing "he has a PLAN" over and over to begin each new point, LOL. Said he wanted to personally thank our troops who brought Zarqawi to justice, that our troops are dedicated, good people working in difficult circumstances and when they do a good job it's good for SOMEBODY to congratulate and thank them.
The press was a bit subdued for some reason. Gregory must have popped a blood vessel, because he came to the presser wearing something like a red smoking jacket with an orange scarf worn like a tie...the prez complimented him on them and said his jacket and tie looked POWERFUL (ouch)
I turned off the TV before the bitter sissies began the vitriole campaign under the guise of "analyzing" the speech.
Stay safe.
Prayers for the protection and success of the Coalition troops.
KICK THEIR ASS!
They need it. The press is really determined to destroy our troops' morale so we lose the WOT. I ought to turn the TV back on, because they're no doubt talking about this operation and spinning as evidence that the "spiraling violence in Afghanistan proves the TRalibunnies are stronger than ever" (paraphrased, but they've been saying that more and more).
They're still in mourning for Zarqawi.
;-)
LOL! That's probably true...oh, here's one you'll like from the presser: Ann Compton demanded to know if the president felt there was a comparison between Iraq and Vietnam (of course) and he answered that people voted, ratified a constitution and elected there government. FReeper Pogeysailor replied, "Yes, the media was on teh enemie's side on both occasions"
Now THAT'S one answer I'd like to hear from the president or Tony Snow!
Reread the article. This offensive has been secretly going on for about a month - "since mid-May". The media erred yet once again by saying it starts tomorrow. I think this has been made public now, because we don't need the element of surprise anymore.
"What would be the optimal number of days to get bin Lauden?"
140
"Why no Frenchies fighting in this operation?"
Do French Canadians count?
LOL! I love it!
And so very true.
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