Taliban stronghold destroyed by British and Afghan forces after 10 day battle - Telegraph

A major Taliban stronghold has been destroyed by British and Afghan forces following 10 days of bitter fighting in southern Afghanistan.

By Sean Rayment

Hundred of insurgents were either killed or forced to flee from a stronghold in central Helmand which they had occupied for several months.

During the operation, Corporal Danny Nield of 1st battalion The Rifles, was killed after being blown up by an improvised explosive device and several British soldiers were injured.

A force of around 700 coalition troops launched a series of attacks against the stronghold in the area of Spin Masjid, north of the provincial capital of Lashkar Gar, where the British military headquarters is based.

The Taliban had occupied the area for several months imposing "their version of law and order" on the locals and murdering anyone who supported the Afghan government, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The area was also used as a base by insurgents to attack convoys supplying Nato bases
The operation code named Attal, was one of an increasing number to be planned and executed by the Afghan National Army (ANA) with assistance from British, Danish and Canadian forces.

the 10-day battle last month more than 30 IEDs were discovered and several senior Taliban commanders were killed. Insurgents were cleared from the area and a new patrol base was created to prevent the Taliban from recapturing their former base.

In his first visit to Afghanistan as a minister, Under Secretary of State for Defence, Kevan Jones, said that the success of the operation was proof that the British strategy was on course.

He added: "The future for Afghanistan is with its own security forces – they need to be able to protect the local population from the oppression of the Taliban and to uphold the rule of law. This latest operation is another example of how they are continually improving – able to plan and execute complicated and hugely successful operations.

"The work of the British mentors, the 1st Battalion The Rifles who I met on this visit, has been central to this success, passing on the skills and experience of the British Army and setting the foundations for a safe and secure Afghanistan."

Capt Mike Richardson, 24 Commando Engineers Regiment, said: "The joint efforts of Afghan and ISAF troops saw 15 IEDs disposed of in an area approximately 2km by 1 km.

"The search skills and patience of the ANA, coupled with the expertise of British Bomb Disposal Teams undoubtedly contributed to the low casualty rate amongst locals and the coalition forces during this operation."

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