Rebels retreat as Afghan troops take Musa Qala

AFGHAN troops fought their way into the centre of southern Taliban stronghold Musa Qala yesterday but encountered only light resistance as the rebels melted away, officials and the militants said.

As British Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid a surprise visit to Helmand province, soldiers pushed into Musa Qala’s centre on day four of a major operation to retake the town.

“Our troops are in the centre of the town but the Taliban might be around,” said Afghan defence ministry spokesman General Mohammad Zahir Azimi.