BBC News
Improvised bombs planted by Taliban fighters are slowing Nato's big offensive in Afghanistan, military officials say.
The BBC's Frank Gardner, in Kandahar, says the homemade bombs have been planted in far greater numbers than Nato had anticipated.
Operation Moshtarak - targeting Taliban strongholds in southern Helmand province - has entered its third day.
Earlier, the Nato commander apologised after rockets killed 12 civilians.
Gen Stanley McChrystal said he "deeply regretted this tragic loss of life" and suspended use of the rocket launching system pending a "thorough review".
Our correspondent says roadside bombs have slowed the advance of US troops in the area around Marjah.
Insurgents still in the area are believed to be concentrated in Marjah, while those in the British taskforce area of Nad Ali, to the north east, are thought to have either put down their weapons or retreated north.
Moving into the centre of the town of Marjah on Sunday, US marines and Afghan soldiers came under intense fire from Taliban fighters.
Insurgents were believed to be holed up in a nearby compound, so two rockets were fired by a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HMARS), a truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher.
The rockets, however, veered off course and hit a house about 300m (980ft) from their intended target, killing 12 civilians, according to Nato.
President Hamid Karzai has called for an investigation into the deaths. Ten of those killed were from the same family, his office said.
"It's regrettable that in the course of our joint efforts, innocent lives were lost. We extend our heartfelt sympathies and will ensure we do all we can to avoid future incidents."
1: British forces find cache of IEDs, along with tunnels and ammunition dumps in this area
2: UK/Danish troops continue to disrupt Taliban movements; small arms contacts reported
3: US and UK forces operating either side of Canal 56 crossings consolidate their hold on the area
4: Bulk of British operations going on in this area; clearing and holding village-by-village
5: US forces continue air and ground assaults.
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Monday, February 15, 2010
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The BBC's Frank Gardner, in Kandahar, says the homemade bombs have been planted in far greater numbers than Nato had anticipated.
ReplyDeleteWhat a surprise.
How many IED's can the Taliban plant given the amount of notice they had ?