Monday, July 5, 2010

Scores killed in Afghan anti drugs operation

More than 60 militants and drug traffickers have been killed in Helmand province during a three-day raid, the Afghan government says.

Afghanistan is the source of 90% of the world's illicit opium

They said more than 16 tonnes of drugs were seized, together with weapons, explosives and suicide vests.

Afghan troops destroyed two sites at which drugs were produced.

They also freed several villagers who had been kidnapped by the militants for allegedly co-operating with the government.

Afghanistan produces 90% of the world's opium and the drugs trade is a key source of funding for the insurgency.

Coalition forces are battling militants in opium-producing areas of the south.

Last year the UN said corruption, lawlessness and uncontrolled borders result in only 2% of Afghan opiates being seized locally.

UN findings say an opium market worth $65bn (£39bn) funds global terrorism, caters to 15 million addicts and kills 100,000 people every year.

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