Afghan, Foreign Troops Poised to Oust Taliban From Afghan Town
Afghan and foreign troops are getting ready to take back a southern Afghan town that is being controlled by Taliban
militants.
Afghan defense ministry spokesman General Mohammad Zahir Azimi says security forces are beginning an operation near Musa
Qala, a town in southern Helmand province.
Taliban militants overran Musa Qala in February, after British troops withdrew and handed over security responsibilities
to local elders.
British military officials say the goal is to take back the town.
The Taliban says it has more than 2,000 armed fighters ready to defend Musa Qala.
Separately, NATO foreign ministers are discussing appointing an international "super" envoy to Afghanistan. The envoy
would help better coordinate U.N. and NATO civilian and military efforts within the country.
ENDS