TALIBAN forces have launched sporadic attacks in a bid to retake Musa Qala.

While the Evening News was in the town, the main British base was targeted by several mortar and rocket attacks – all of which fell wide of the target.

And a massive explosion was heard as far away as 7km after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was destroyed.

Lt Col Simon Downey, the officer commanding 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards), said British soldiers were doing very well and the operation to take the town had been a success.

He said: “The purpose of the battalion was to mentor the Afghan National Army (ANA) and recapture the town centre. By securing Musa Qala we can ensure no return of small elements of the Taliban. An Afghan Government, supported by the British, is really what is important.”

Lt Col Downey said it would be important to establish local government in the area and continue to rebuild facilities for the town.

The town was visited by General ‘Jacko’ Page, the British commander of the southern Helmand region, on Boxing Day and he said he was impressed with what he saw.

Lt Col Downey said: “The mood of the people is becoming more relaxed and more positive. Progress in the area is going forward.”

Sgt Maj Mark Berry, from Skelton in North Yorkshire, said: “It was very important to take Musa Qala, it is in the heartland of Taliban territory.

“Everything that happened, especially in Helmand, was in Musa Qala. What we gather is they will fight back for it. We are expecting a fight and the battle hasn’t taken place yet.”

General Moheeden Ghori, the commander of the Afghan National Armyin the Helmand province, said the operation to liberate the Musa Qala had been a great success. He added: “I am happy for the fact we had good training and it was a good operation.

He said the district of Musa Qala had always been important to the Taliban and to recapture it was a good morale boost for the ANA but it was vital to keep control of the area in the future.

From The Scarborough Evening News on Monday, January 7, 2008.