We are concentrating on Afghanistan Today

ANSF push Taliban out of northern Helmand

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition soldiers pushed back Taliban insurgents from Now Zad, Helmand Province, Dec. 5.
The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol in Now Zad when Taliban insurgents attempted to ambush the patrol from established fighting positions. The enemy fired on the ANSF using small arms, rocket and mortar fire. The ANSF immediately returned small-arms and machine-gun fire, putting the enemy on the defensive.
The enemy moved to secondary positions in an attempt to flank friendly forces, as the battle escalated. ANSF identified the new enemy fighting positions and engaged with small arms, machine gun fire and precision air strikes.
The insurgents attempted to hide among the civilian population by moving into their homes.
“The enemy attempted to take advantage of the historic Afghan hospitality by using civilian homes as fighting positions,” the ANSF commander said. “Fortunately, the residents recognized the Taliban were abusing their hospitality and wanted no part of it.”
The Afghan civilians prevented them from using the compounds and its inhabitants as human shields. Tthe enemy executed a disorderly retreat and the ANSF continued to clear the village to ensure no insurgents remained.
“The ANSF and the citizens of Now Zad both demonstrated their resolve to eliminate the Taliban menace in northern Helmand Province,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman. “Continued collaboration like we saw today is the key to bringing peace and stability to this country.”

There is also a fight brewing in Musa Qula as we type this. It is not in the news as it NATO and ANA operation. This is where the ISAF signed a peace treaty with local elders and the Talib moved in and took over and declared a victory over the crusaders. This is the same province that the local Talib commander says he has over 2500 fighter including 900 foreign fighters ready to launch frontal assaults and take over the whole province by winter.

From ISAF(ie NATO)
ANA, ISAF launch operation in Musa Qala
KABUL, Afghanistan – Troops from the Afghan National Army supported by ISAF Forces have been conducting operations in the north of Helmand since the beginning of November.
An operation to retake the town of Musa Qala has started today, Dec. 7. In order to assist the Afghan National Army, ISAF Forces have launched an insertion of troops by helicopter on the edge of the town. This operation will continue for the next few days.
More information will be given as it becomes available.

This is a continuation of the attack on Musa Quala please pray for the families in this holiday season.
ISAF soldier killed, one injured in southern Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – An ISAF soldier has been killed and another was injured in an explosion in southern Afghanistan today.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who have died or been injured today while working to ensure a more stable future for the people of Afghanistan,” said Wing Commander Antony McCord, Regional Command South spokesperson.

Keep an eye out for Afghanistan as we start the winning in Iraq we are going to have to re-focus on Afghanistan especially with the worsening security situation in Pakistan. Our brave allies have done a great job in holding down Afghanistan. But do they have the stomach to increase forces to finish this or is it going to be up to Uncle Sam to bring in the forces with the invitation of the Afghan gov't of course to bring in the striking power to force the Talib back over the border and let the reconstruction begin behind them.