British troops battle Taliban in offensive

MUSA QALEH, Afghanistan, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- A Taliban stronghold in the north of Afghanistan's Helmand province has come under heavy pressure from a British military operation.

British officials say troops, in an effort to disrupt Taliban operations, have pushed into the area around Musa Qaleh, the British Ministry of Defense reported.

In the autumn of 2006 International Security Assistance Forces removed the Taliban from Musa Qaleh and handed security back to local Afghan leaders. But less than a year later the Taliban has retaken the city.

British soldiers from Right Flank Scots Guards and Marines from 40 Commando have launched an offensive designed to disrupt Taliban operations and destabilize supply routes.

"This is part of a longer term strategy to keep the Taliban unsettled and confused," Lt. Col. Richard Eaton, task force Helmand spokesman, said in a statement. "We have frustrated them in what they consider to be their heartland by maneuvering into the area, and by disrupting their re-supply and other operations.

"It is also crucial to be able to tell local Afghans, ISAF is here at the invitation of the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to support you and that we are going to help remove the Taliban from your homes and your lives."