US, British troops launch major Afghan offensive

KABUL - US, British and Afghan troops launched a major offensive early Saturday in the centre of Helmand province, a Taliban stronghold, in a bid to establish the Afghan government’s rule over the country.

The assault was expected and contrary to usual military doctrine, the leaders of the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan announced it well in advance so as to warn the Afghan population.

The offensive, codenamed Moshtareq (the Dari word for “together”), is the first major operation under ISAF’s new doctrine, which is aimed at backing up military power with a strong civilian follow-through.

“The aims of this operation are very clear and there is no reason to hide them … The aim of the operation is also to make a point that the Afghan government can establish its authority whenever and wherever it wants,” NATO spokesman James Appathurai said in Brussels Wednesday.

“The success of this operation will not be in the military phase, it will be in the weeks and months to come, as the people of central Helmand feel the benefits of security, better governance, justice and economic opportunities,” he said.

The idea of announcing the assault in advance has split commentators, with some seeing it as an open invitation to the Taliban to leave the area - or to set up extra defences.

“Civilians needed to be warned … There has been no ultimatum to the Taliban. They can put down their guns, they can leave or they can fight,” Appathurai said.

On Friday, Afghan and international forces dropped leaflets warning people not to give shelter to the Taliban, CNN reported. “Do not allow the Taliban to enter your home,” the leaflets said, according to Daud Ahmadi, the spokesman of Helmand province.