Afghan town seized from Taliban

Afghan and international forces have retaken a southern Afghan town held by Taliban militants since February, the Kabul defence ministry said today.

Ministry spokesman General Mohammad Zahir Azimi said Afghan, British and US forces had “completely captured” Musa Qala, a town in the opium poppy-growing belt of northern Helmand province.

He said fighting was continuing around the town.

Afghan and international troops stepped up operations around Musa Qala early last month, and fighting has intensified in the area in the last few days as forces advanced on the town.

Residents in Musa Qala said Taliban militants fled the town’s centre today.

British military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Richard Eaton said he could not confirm that the Taliban had left the town’s centre but said he would not be surprised.

He said: “This is what happens. We have had a number of operations in the past where once the Taliban realise they are overmatched, they tend to leave.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if that is the case here. Ultimately our aim is to take Musa Qala, and if we take Musa Qala without a big fight, that’s fantastic.”

Taliban militants overran Musa Qala in February, four months after British troops left the town following a contentious peace agreement that gave security responsibilities to Afghan elders.