Fighting continues in Afghanistan's Helmand province
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 March 2007 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Fighting continues in Afghanistan's Helmand province, 23 March 2007, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/469f5b811c.html [accessed 19 August 2021] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Afghan police operating a checkpoint in Helmand Province earlier this month (epa)
March 23, 2007 – Afghanistan's Defense Ministry says at least 69 Taliban fighters have been killed in a battle that started March 22 in the southern province of Helmand.
Defense Ministry spokesman General Zahir Azimi says seven Afghan government soldiers also were killed by fighting in three districts of Helmand – Nadali, Gerishk, and Lashkar Gah.
Azimi said the battle was part of a ground offensive conducted solely by Afghan government troops – the first such operation since training of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police began in 2002.
Azimi said the government offensive, code-named Operation Norouz, will conclude later today. NATO-led forces are providing air support.
Thousands of NATO and Afghan troops have been engaged in combat for weeks against Taliban fighters in Helmand Province.
They are trying to eliminate Taliban strongholds and hideouts in an area about 150 kilometers around the Kajaki hydroelectric dam.
(AP, AFP, dpa)
