Arghandab is Clear of Taliban
Jun 17 at 8:08am by David Tate
US officials are saying the stories regarding a large presence of Taliban just northwest of Kandahar are unfounded:
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (June 17, 2008) – Afghan National Police and Coalition forces completed a patrol in the Arghandab District of Kandahar province today and found no evidence that militants control the area.
While in the area, Coalition forces moved freely and met no resistance. Recent reports of militant control in the area appear to be unfounded.
The threat of militant activity still exists throughout the province, but the patrol found no indication that militants have overwhelming strength in the Arghandab area.
History
The story of the Taliban massing broke June 16th, just three days after more than 800 inmates, including 400 Taliban, escaped from prison following a well planned attack that left the facility in ruins.
The report that the area is calm is a very stark difference than that of the plethora of reports out there claiming otherwise.
Some reports claim the Taliban hold at least 18 villages and are currently digging in for the upcoming fight, with hundreds of civillians fleeing the area.
3 Responses for "Arghandab is Clear of Taliban"
Gail y
June 17th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
1I really like your articles but this one really confused me, since the other reports are showing pics of people leaving and so many reports of the Taliban taking over the villages. I would rather believe your article since my son is over there, but… I feel like your articles have been very well informed so I am confused. Help?
David
June 17th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
2Gail -
You’re as confused as many of us are. I am simply reporting what is being released. Clearly there is a lot of confusion regarding this situation.
When the prison break occured, it truly did set off a wave of panic. While I believe there are Taliban issues in this area, I also believe that the reports of 50o Taliban massing are seriously exagerated.
Gail y
June 17th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
3Thank you, David. I really like your articles and have learned so much from them. You are the source I use to explain the situation to my family and friends. I appreciate your expertise. Thank you for helping me understand the situation better.
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