NATO soldier dies as fighting rages in Afghanistan

[daleo]

A NATO soldier was killed Saturday in southern Afghanistan, as Canadian and NATO troops said their efforts had pushed Taliban forces to the brink of collapse.

The identity and nationality of the soldier killed has not yet been released. The soldier died in the Panjwaii region near Kandahar.

...

Panjwaii has been a hotbed of Taliban activity in southern Afghanistan. Four Canadians were killed there in a battle with the Taliban on Sunday, and another Canadian was killed Monday when two U.S. jets mistakenly fired on his platoon.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/09/09/medusa-saturday.html

[Hand]

1. "NATO soldier"=Canadian in that part of the country

Almost certainly. Another young Canadian dies for Chimpy and Steve. :cry: :grr:

[daleo]

2. Actually, it turns out this may be an American soldier

"The identity and nationality of the soldier killed had not yet officially been released. The Canadian Press reported the soldier was an American and was killed in a rocket attack in the Panjwaii region near Kandahar."

This is an update of the earlier story.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/09/09/medusa-saturday.html

[oblivious]

3. I notice government forces have adopted a new warfare tactic - retreat

Taliban retake control of Garmser district

LASHKARGAH, Sep 7 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Officials have confirmed that Taliban have captured Garmser district in the southern Helmand province. However, the government forces termed their leaving the district as 'tactical retreat'.

Nabi Jan Mallakhel, police chief of Helmand, told Pajhwok Afghan News on Thursday their leaving the district was a part of warfare tactics, and presently he had no idea about the presence of the miscreants in the area.

http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=24069