Royal Blue: ISAF troops launch major Afghan offensive

ISAF troops launch major Afghan offensive

UK troops serving with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) have been taking part in a major operation in the Sangin area of Helmand province, southern Afghanistan.

The aim of the offensive, part of Operation ACHILLES, was to re-establish the authority of the Government of Afghanistan in Sangin and to create a secure, stable and prosperous environment in which reconstruction and development can take place

ISAF forces found a large weapons cache, including machine guns and rounds, mortars, rocket propelled grenades and launchers, anti-tank mines and bomb-making equipment. These were left behind as Taliban insurgents fled the area.

Brigadier Jerry Thomas, Commander of the UK Task Force in Helmand, said:

"The aim of this operation was to clear the Taliban from the Sangin area and to re-establish the authority of the Government of Afghanistan in Sangin to create a secure, stable and prosperous environment in which reconstruction and development can take place. In the last two days we have made significant gains in pushing the Taliban from the area and that operation continues."

The advance began on the evening of Wednesday 4 April 2007. Members of the UK Task Force, including Estonians and Danes, advanced from the north while US, Dutch and Canadian forces launched an air assault to the south to clear insurgents before Afghan National Security Forces move into the town.

A multi-national force of more than 1000 troops and support elements began the major advance on Sangin. A range of ISAF troops were used including British troops from the 42 Commando Royal Marines Battlegroup, the Estonian Armoured Infantry Company, and Danish Recce Squadron, all part of the UK Task Force.

Further ISAF coalition troops advanced from the south including three companies from the United States 82nd Airborne, one company of Dutch soldiers from the 11 Airmobile Brigade, and members of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Battlegroup. They were all supported by a range of air assets including Chinook, Blackhawk and Apache helicopters.

In the early stages, ISAF forces encountered only sporadic resistance from insurgents as evidence suggested many Taliban leaders were fleeing the area. During the operation there were a small number of minor ISAF casualties, and no reported civilian casualties. It is believed a significant number of insurgents were killed.

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Mayo, UK spokesman, said:

"We know that the senior Taliban leadership is made of up fighters from outside of the area who have coerced and intimidated the local people of Sangin into fighting for them. As ISAF has advanced and put pressure on the Taliban, there is strong evidence to suggest that this leadership has chosen to flee rather than fight.

"Prior to the operation we informed the local population of our intentions through the Governor of Helmand and also by means of radio broadcasts, letters and word of mouth. We asked the people of Sangin just to stay away from the fighting so that we could defeat the Taliban quickly.

"This operation is not directed against the ordinary people of Sangin but against the hardcore Taliban and foreign fighters who have forced the people to live under a regime of intimidation and cruelty.

"Part of the role of ISAF is to mentor the Afghan National Army who will gradually assume responsibility for the security of Sangin over the coming days and weeks. That will then allow the Government of Afghanistan to deliver the services that the people of Sangin deserve and require.

"It is critical for the long-term success of this operation and to maintain security in Sangin that the local people support the Government of Afghanistan and its own security forces."

This latest activity is part of the ongoing Operation ACHILLES launched by ISAF and Afghan National Security Forces last month, primarily to stabilise northern Helmand province. The operation has been conducted with the support of President Karzai and the Governor of Helmand.