Taliban capture ‘peace deal’ town
British troops had previously struck a deal for Musa Qala to be run by local tribesmen.
Washington had previously been critical of the Musa Qala pact which was devised by British soldiers who had frequently been attacked by Taliban members in the area.
Taliban control
Colonel Thomas Collins, spokesman for the US-led coalition in Afghanistan said the situation in the remote district was unclear but “we have indications that Taliban are fortifying their positions in the district centre.”
“They control a small area but to say they control the entire district is going too far” Col Tom Collins, US-led coalition spokesman |
“We know there are fighters in the area but to the extent, I can’t give you real details … I can’t give you a clear idea of what the nature of their control is in the town in this time,” he said.
“They control a small area but to say they control the entire district is going too far.”
The defence ministry confirmed that the police and administration structures in the town had been disbanded.
General Zahir Azimi, a ministry spokesman said: “It is under Taliban control since yesterday.”
Isaf are ready to support Afghan troops in retaking the town centre [AFP] |
Other witnesses reported that the Taliban fighters had arrested local leaders in the town.