Posted on 02/08/2010 11:20:04 AM PST by NormsRevenge
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AFP) – NATO commanders urged the Taliban to surrender as troops dug in Monday for a major assault on a key insurgent stronghold in southern Afghanistan, sending thousands of residents fleeing.
Final preparations for battle with Taliban militants around Marjah in Helmand province, which could begin within days, had begun, a senior Marines commander said.
"The combat operations for the assault of Marjah have begun this morning," Lieutenant Colonel James "Matt" Baker, of 1st Battalion 3rd Marines Regiment told AFP, referring to the final phase of assault preparations. Related article: Taliban, heroin hold sway in Marjah
The Taliban remained defiant as civilians of the Marjah plain accused the militia, which is leading an eight-year insurgency, of massing fighters and arms for a bloody battle.
Taliban fighters "prefer to stay and fight", Yousuf Ahmadi, a purported Taliban spokesman, told AFP by telephone from an undisclosed location.
"Afghan and foreign forces have come to the Marjah area and our mujahedeen forces are also in the area firing rockets at them," he said.
The Marjah operation -- dubbed Mushtarak ("Together") -- is the biggest push since US President Barack Obama announced a new surge of troops to Afghanistan, and military officials say it is the biggest since the 2001 US-led invasion.
It is seen as pivotal to a new counter-insurgency strategy, which meshes military operations with the civil and political aims of establishing governance and security as the basis for development.
Brigadier General Eric Tremblay, spokesman for NATO's International Security Assistance Force, called on the militants to lay down their arms, and said the aim of the operation was to "separate the insurgents from the population".
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Release the KRAKEN!
US Marines check their gear at a company operation base in Helmand province on February 8. NATO commanders have urged the Taliban to surrender as troops dug in for a major assault on a key insurgent stronghold in southern Afghanistan, sending thousands of residents fleeing. (AFP/Patrick Baz)
AFP: Frightened Afghans flee offensive in opium valley
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2446922/posts
VIDEO: US military officials in Afghanistan say lack of training and equipment, as well as widespread drug use and tribal conflicts, are hampering efforts to transfer responsibility for security to local forces. Duration: 01: 53(AFPTV)
Ha, “residents”????
suuuuure.
This is, once again, an exercise in futility and the endangerment of our troops in the interests of PR and politics.
Every time we intend an offensive action we announce it weeks ahead and give the enemy all the time in the world to plan, evacuate, adjust, whatever.
When are we ever going to get serious about this conflict and hit them hard, repeatedly, and without warning.
If we are not going to then every grunt who is killed has been murdered by our government.
Thank God for stupid enemies.... Looks like they're operating according to the Iraq model now, and pissing off the locals.
Did you even read the article?
I wish we could use AC130s and MOABs as groups of militants scatter.. they’re the ones usually carrying kalashnikovs and rpgs and cellphones. ;-)
I wonder what the Rules of Engagement are this go around?
Marjah! Marjah! Marjah! (/brady bunch)
AC130s are probably in the mix. MOABs probably don't have much utility, either, as they're too broad.
I wonder what the Rules of Engagement are this go around?
I'm guessing they'll be pretty aggressive.
How do you “dig in” for an “assault”?
Better dig really really deep, @sswipes.
Kick some ass!
My thoughts exactly and I’m glad I read them before posting same. I think that turning the enemy areas into dust and gravel would be of great benefit to the troops.
Here we come. Here we come. Here we come. WTF? JUST DO IT!!!!!!!! And please be behind them waiting for retreat.
May God be with our troops...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.