TALIBAN SAID SPLIT OVER FIGHTING CANADIANS

ZAMTO KALAY, Afghanistan -- Taliban fighters have had a falling-out in one of their strongest mountain redoubts in northern Kandahar province, with one faction apparently prepared to give up the fight against Canadian combat forces deployed in the area, coalition officials say.

"What I'm seeing is very positive here. There has been a split in the local leadership," said Lt.-Col. Ian Hope, commander of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry battle group. "There are indications that one group does not want to fight any more. There have been yelling matches with words that are not characteristic in the culture. That is tremendous for the people here and has really boosted our morale."

The Canadian battle group is wrapping up its part in Operation Mountain Thrust, which has been the biggest coalition offensive in Afghanistan in more than four years. The operation has involved forces moving into remote Taliban-held areas to counter a large and violent push by Taliban insurgents infiltrating into the country from Pakistan.

"The Taliban are literally watching us all the time, but they are unable to mount co-ordinated attacks," said Maj. Kirk Gallinger of Alpha Company, 1st Bn, PPCLI.

PUBLICATION: Vancouver Sun
DATE: 2006.06.28
BYLINE: Matthew Fisher