Come out of bases and attack rebels, Afghan forces told

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok: American forces in southern Helmand province on Wednesday said the Afghan forces should come out of their bases and launch attacks on insurgents.

Speaking at a press conference at the 215 Maiwand Military Corps headquarters, US Col. Kline said fresh Afghan forces had recently been imparted necessary training in combat.

He said the newly trained Afghan forces were now able to effectively use latest weapons, vehicles and other military gear.

He asked Afghan security officials to switch troops from defensive to offensive mode and prepare them for attacks on the opponents.

Kline assured the Afghan forces of providing weapons and ammunition and said the US forces would take part in battles if needed.

He said his country would continue to assist Afghanistan in the area of security and defence.

“We are not sitting idle, we are busy training Afghan forces. We have prepared Afghan commandos for night raids and their operations have so far produced good results.”

Without revealing the number of American forces in Helmand, Col. Kline said they were working to further strengthen coordination among American and Afghan forces.

The Taliban are in control of Baghran, Dishu, Musa Qala and Nawzad district of Helmand and clashes between security forces and militants are underway near the provincial capital, Lashkargah, and some other areas.

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