U.S. troops, Afghan police storm Taliban stronghold

[Robb]

Source: LA Times

U.S. soldiers and Afghan police swarmed a dense Taliban stronghold of mud-brick homes on the western shoulder of Kandahar early Saturday, conducting searches and promising aid in a preview of a planned summer campaign to control the insurgent movement's spiritual home.

Operation Kokaran was named for the neighborhood where the Taliban have assassinated government officials and built infiltration routes. The U.S. goal here is to clear out insurgents, build up local governance and bring in reconstruction projects.

Only a few shots were fired Saturday during the most comprehensive military-civilian operation in Kandahar since President Obama ordered 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan in December. It was the first time civilian aid and reconstruction teams have taken part in conceiving and planning a military clearing operation here, according to U.S. officials.

(snip)

No American soldiers entered homes. Afghan female police officers, their faces covered by scarves, searched compounds. Male police questioned residents, confiscating guns from several men who failed to produce permits.

A development team invited local elders to a shura, or meeting, on Monday to discuss aid projects and security. They will be asked about community needs "so that we don't dictate to them what they get," said a Canadian civil affairs officer. The lieutenant identified himself only by his first name, Alex, for security reasons.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-afghan-kandahar-sweep-20100523,0,1825801.story

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What, no US death squads? :eyes:

[conturnedpro09]

1. Go get 'em!

:patriot:

[NJmaverick]

2. K&R

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Robb]

5. Thanks for your service.

[rug]

4. Afghan Insurgents Attack Key NATO Base in Kandahar

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4393549

This belongs in the sports forum.

[daleo]

6. I'm from the government

And I'm here to help!

I suspect that's how people in Afghanistan may see visits like this.

[Robb]

7. Probably a lot of truth to that.

But this isn't the "battle for Kandahar" some DUers were expecting.

No matter how it turns out, it's off-the-page enough to guarantee cadets will have to study it at some point.

[daleo]

10. Learning is always good

Whatever the lesson turns out to be.

[The abyss]

8. Breathe easy citizens! No inferiors were located.

<>


<>

Feel better?

[saigon68]

9. "BRING EM ON" shouted the AWOL CHIMPANZEE

[Robb]

11. Kick for the morning folks. nt

[DCBob]

12. This is the type of "war" I can support..

Hope it works. Peace.

[Alamuti Lotus]

13. I see the public relations campaign is in full swing

Spin control and propaganda has taken on a higher importance to the war effort than actual bullets. Why not, the latter don't seem to be working too well for you.

[EFerrari]

14. I could swear I read this story last week. n/t

[Robb]

15. Sorry to disappoint, but it's going well.

Fucks with your little worldview, doesn't it?

[Alamuti Lotus]

16. Not according to the top "Allied" (stupid WWII inference) commander

Something about "bleeding ulcers" and the sort. But what does he know? His cheerleaders back in the homeland think it's all just great.

[elias49]

17. It takes my breath away!

:sarcasm:

It's so cool that, after almost a decade - 10 years! - "..civilian aid and reconstruction teams have taken part...in the operation"

So now we roll up our sleeves! Thanks Robb! Ever the optimist!