US Air Strikes in Southern Afghanistan Kill Several Taliban
The U.S. military in Afghanistan says several Taliban militants have been killed in air strikes in the southern town of
Musa Qala, as NATO-led ground troops began an offensive to take the key town back from Taliban control.
In a statement Saturday, the military said initial information indicates a senior Taliban commander was among those
killed. The commander is believed to have been involved in several attacks against U.S. and NATO forces in the region.
Taliban militants overran Musa Qala in February, months after British troops withdrew and handed over security
responsibilities to local elders.
The Taliban says it has more than 2,000 armed fighters ready to defend town, located in the middle of Afghanistan's
poppy-growing region.
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