Afghanistan flag flies over Musa Qala

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- NATO claimed victory Tuesday in the four-day battle for Musa Qala as the Afghanistan flag was raised over what had been the only town held by the Taliban.

NATO military leaders promised that the town in Helmand Province will get the decent government and economic development that was not provided before the Taliban moved in months ago, The Times of London reported.

"We have a plan ready, and we will want to demonstrate that people will be better off with the Afghan government than they were with the Taliban," said Lt. Col. Richard Easton, a spokesman for the British military.

NATO plans to use Afghan forces and British trainers in the town. A small air base is also being considered.

The Afghan government acknowledged Tuesday that claims that two major Taliban commanders in Helman province were taken prisoner during the battle were untrue.

The number of casualties remained unclear. The Kabul government says none of its troops were killed and only four civilians died, but residents told the BBC that the NATO and Afghan forces sustained heavier casualties than they have acknowledged.

The Times said two British soldiers were killed by a land mine.