Taliban achieved nothing from Ghazni assaults: US forces

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghan National Army (ANA) forces thwarted Taliban’s Friday attack on the southern Ghazni city and continued to hold ground and maintain control of all government centers,  US forces said on Sunday.

"The Afghan National Army strongly and swiftly reinforced Ghazni City after thwarting Friday's Taliban attack.  The city was relatively quiet Friday evening and people were observed moving freely on the streets,” said US forces spokesman Lt. Col. Martin L. O’Donnell.

He said clearing operations were ongoing and sporadic clashes occurring in the city. “What we are seeing as the clearing operations continue is the Taliban attempting to harass Afghan forces and using civilians, who they show little regards toward, as cover,” he said. 

He said in addition to the initial strike, close-air support and B-1 show of presence on Friday, US forces conducted five strikes yesterday and 10 thus far today. 

He said tactically, operationally and strategically, the Taliban achieved nothing with the failed attack except another eye-catching, but inconsequential headline. 

He said the Taliban were unable to seize terrain and unable to match the Afghan security forces, retreating once directly and decisively engaged.

Hundreds of heavily armed Taliban militants stormed the Ghazni City from four directions, sparking intense fighting with Afghan security forces. Reports said both the warring sides and civilians had suffered casualties in the attacks.

Meanwhile, Maj. Mohammad Farooq, an Afghan National Army 203rd Corps spokesman, said: "The city is under complete control of Afghan security forces.

He said Afghan National Army reinforcements had made their way to Ghazni city to help search and clear the city of insurgents.

pr/nh/ma