Afghan villages abandoned before Nato-led operation

[G_j]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8503428.stm

Afghan villages abandoned before Nato-led operation

International troops will work alongside Afghan soldiers

Hundreds of villagers living in a Taliban-controlled area of southern Afghanistan are leaving before a major Nato-led offensive gets under way.
It is expected to be one of the largest counter-insurgency operations since the Afghan conflict began in 2001.

The operation to clear insurgents from the southern town of Marja, in Helmand province, is expected to begin soon.

The UK defence secretary has warned of likely casualties within coalition troops during the offensive.
"Of course casualties are something that we have to expect when we are involved in these operations," Bob Ainsworth said late on Sunday.

"This is not in any way a safe environment and it doesn't matter how much kit and equipment we provide for people. We can never entirely make these operations risk-free," he added.

..more..

.....
creating refugees is usually not a great thing..

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February 15 is right around the corner

[HeresyLives]

1. Guerilla war calls for melting away

before a major battle. NATO will find nothing to fight.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[G_j]

4. they warned everyone to leave

that, of course, is the hardest for the poor.

[Oregone]

3. Thanks for the warning

See you in the fall