Afghan and Nato forces seized the Taliban stronghold of Musa Qala on Tuesday, a symbolic victory for the Afghan government and its Western backers, but one which may do little to stop the insurgents from carrying out attacks.
While foreign troops have defeated the Taliban in every direct clash, they have failed to bring stability because of a lack of forces - particularly Afghan police - to hold ground and foster good governance and the rule of law, analysts say.
Musa Qala, in the southern province of Helmand, was the only big town held by the Taliban and took on symbolic importance after the insurgents seized it in February. Its capture by the Taliban had followed the breakdown of a truce which allowed besieged British troops to pull out in October last year.
"Musa Qala is freed. Our troops are now inside the town and the bazaar. The Taliban fled in four directions," Afghan Defence Ministry spokesman Zahir Azimi told a news conference in Kabul. The Taliban had turned Musa Qala into their bastion in southern Afghanistan, setting up a civilian administration and Islamic courts.
Comments
Comments are closed.