Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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July 27, 2009

Britain Hails Success of Bold Offensive in Southern Afghanistan
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=2599159:A6F02AD83191E1603225B2C764A97073D937473925D9872C&
 
Prime Minister Gordon Brown calls the efforts of British forces in
Helmand province 'heroic'   
Britain is praising the end of a bold offensive against Taliban
militants in southern Afghanistan, calling the first phase of "Panther's
Claw" a success. Britain's PM Gordon Brown (file photo)Prime Minister
Gordon Brown said the efforts of British forces in Helmand province were
"heroic."  British troops suffered a dramatic rise in deaths since
launching the operation in late June. British officials say the goal now
is to hold the territory along the traditional Taliban stronghold in
villages north of the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah.  At least 20
British troops have been killed since late June, raising doubts at home
about the country's involvement in the Afghan war. 
One-hundred-eight-nine British soldiers have been killed since the
U.S.-led mission to oust the Taliban in 2001. Operation "Panther's Claw"
was followed up by a U.S.-led Marine operation in the same region,
called "Strike of the Sword."  Foreign troops are trying to stabilize
regions plagued by insurgent violence ahead of elections in Afghanistan
set for August 20. Meanwhile, Britain's International Development
Secretary Douglas Alexander says his government supports talking to
Afghan Taliban insurgents and allow those who shun violence to join the
political process. Alexander, who is visiting Afghanistan, told BBC
radio it is necessary to put military pressure on the Taliban while at
the same time offering a political solution for those willing to
renounce violence. Some information for this report was provided by AFP
and Reuters.


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