WAR: Operation Lightning Freedom Begins In Afghanistan.

Operation Lightning Freedom involving 18,000 U.S. led troops has begun across Afghanistan. Major Mark McCann stated the aim of this latest offensive was to flush out Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants during the Afghan winter, a time when militants usually go to ground. Major McCann also cited the need to increase security conditions ahead of Afghanistans spring parliamentary elections.



This is obviously aimed at asserting the authority of the newly inaugurated Kazai government whilst depleting the number of militants at the same time. However, i find Major McCann' comments that militants may take up the offer of an amnesty somewhat optimistic.
I feel the militants would prefer martyrdom than surrender.

edit:format

[edit on 11-12-2004 by sanctum]

[edit on 11-12-2004 by sanctum]

Two Taliban Commanders Caught.
December 13.

US-LED and Afghan soldiers arrested two senior Taliban commanders and six militants during an operation in south-central Afghanistan, officials said today.

The men were seized late yesterday during a joint Afghan-US operation in Charchino, a troubled district in Uruzgan province, US military spokesman Major Mark McCann said.

"We believe that one of them is the brother of Taliban's former governor of (southern) Kandahar province," he told AFP.

Among those arrested was another Taliban leader, the official said on condition of anonymity.

www.news.com.au...

Sanc'.

Bin Laden in region: Karzai
December 13

AFGHAN President Hamid Karzai said today Osama bin Laden is 'definitely' in the region and would eventually be caught, even though American and Pakistani generals insist the trail is cold.

"It's very difficult to say where he is hiding. He cannot be away from this region. He's definitely in this region," Mr Karzai told CNN's Weekend Edition. "We will get him sooner or later, trust me on that."

But there has been no indication that they are close to seizing the self-proclaimed mastermind of the September 11, 2001, attacks that prompted US President George W. Bush to launch Operation Enduring Freedom with an assault on Afghanistan.

www.news.com.au...

Sanc'.

Taliban leader's security chief held.
December 14.

AFGHAN security forces have captured Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar's personal security chief as he travelled in a van to the southern city of Kandahar, provincial officials said today.

The capture of Toor Mullah Naqibullah Khan, who headed Mullah Omar's household security during his time in power, could help US and Afghan forces track down his boss, one of the most wanted fugitives in the US-led war on terror.

Osama bin Laden, who ran his al-Qaeda network in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban, is also believed to be at large in the area.

"They were carrying a satellite telephone and some important documents.

www.news.com.au...

Sanc'.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

Merry Christmas Afghanistan, i bet you could use more bombs with your rotted food, and we light up your skies like a Christmas tree.