Afghan Strike Shows Force and Restraint of Taliban

[falah]

Afghan Strike Shows Force and Restraint of Taliban

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban made a show of force across a province of northeastern Afghanistan on Friday, Afghan officials said, attacking dozens of government installations but causing relatively few deaths or injuries.

The insurgent forces struck at least six districts of Kunar Province, attacking district governors’ offices, police and army outposts, and other government buildings...

...The attacks began around 1 a.m. and lasted until 8 a.m., local officials said, suggesting that the Taliban sought to limit civilian casualties in an effort to avoid alienating potential supporters among the local population.

Using Kalashnikov rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars, the insurgents razed the governor’s office in Dangam, where more Taliban were involved in the attack than in other districts, according to a security official who spoke anonymously because he was not authorized to be identified. He said that as some police officers struggled to put out the fires, others fought the insurgents, and that only support from the neighboring Asmar district prevented the compound from being overrun...

...A Taliban statement appeared to make the same point: “Today’s attacks, which have caused panic among the enemy ranks, are the biggest attacks of their kind and shows the strength and abilities of mujahedeen."...

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/04/wo...ings.html?_r=1

[falah]

Taliban say they shot down US-led forces copter in W Afghanistan



Afghan Taliban say they have shot down a US-led forces’ helicopter in Western Afghanistan.


The Taliban militants say they have shot down several aircraft and NATO choppers in different parts of Afghanistan over the past few months.

The foreign troops are frequently targeted by the Taliban militants in Afghanistan.

http://www.presstv.com/detail/2012/0...ter-shot-down/