TARIN KOWT, Afghanistan, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The Australian Ministry of Defense says in the absence of harsh winter weather, troops in Afghanistan have continued ongoing operations targeting the Taliban.
Australian troops operating with the Afghan National Army in the southern Afghan province of Oruzgan are keeping pressure on Taliban militants in the region. Officials say mild winter conditions have made it easier to continue raids on Taliban strongholds, the Australian Ministry of Defense reported.
The close-combat operations are keeping pressure on the Taliban through the use of counterinsurgency tactics that Australian troops have developed for their ongoing commitment in the Afghan military theater. Officials say despite some wounded soldiers, the Special Operations Task Group has been successful in countering Taliban threats.
"Overall, I think this is a pretty clear indication of the type of operation we are conducting here in Oruzgan province, directly supporting our Afghan National Army counterparts as they lead the way in taking the fight to the insurgents," Lt. Col. Shane Gabriel said in a statement.
