French troops launch eastern Afghan offensive

[boomerbust]

Source: AP

TAGAB VALLEY, Afghanistan— Hundreds of French and Afghan troops pushed into a volatile valley east of the Afghan capital Sunday in an attempt to gain control of an area that has long been a haven for militants who launch quick attacks and then fade back into hillside villages.

The force of about 700 French and 100 Afghan soldiers launched the offensive into the Tagab valley before dawn, one part from the north and another from the south, according to Col. Francis Chanson, head of the French marine infantry regiment.

Just 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Kabul, the Tagab valley is seen as a launching pad for attacks in the capital. The area also needs to be secure for a planned road that would bypass the capital for moving supplies from neighboring Pakistan to the north of the country, Chanson said. Construction has already begun in one of the safer parts of eastern Kapisa province.

NATO forces have bases in the valley, but have had difficulty securing the mountainous area connected by small footpaths. In a neighboring valley last year, militants killed 10 French troops.


Read more: http://www.rr.com/news/topic/article/rr/9000/9475636/French_troops_launch_eastern_Afghan_offensive

[ixion]

1. we humans sure loves us some killing...

seems we never get enough. :(

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

2. Seems wise, if they're being hammered from the West already.

[bertman]

3. Got to secure those roads for commerce, doncha know? How are we going to export

capitalism, I mean democracy, without being able to move goods around freely?

[Algorem]

4. how do you say "lots of dead french guys" in french?

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

5. Yep

This is the same area where a bomber killed 11 people, including four children two days ago. Nice to see the French taking the fight to them instead of simply allowing the status quo (where Afghans are sitting ducks for Islamic radicals) to prevail.

[obliviously]

6. frace on offenive?:wtf: