ISAF 9 holds its last press conference under British command

Kabul, Jan 31 (UNI) NATO led International Security Assistance Force(ISAF) do not expect a Taliban spring offensive to be launched this year, but intend to carry out offensive operations themselves, ISAF 9 officials stated today at the last press conference held under British command.

The ISAF command will change from the British to the Americans in a handover ceremony on February four when ISAF 9 completes its nine month tenure.

Responding to questions, ISAF spokesperson Brigadier Nyugee said ''we do not believe there will be a spring offensive.'' The ISAF based this on evidence of history, the fact that the Taliban were not making preparations and also the statements of Mullah Omar who had spoken of fighting in early summer rather than spring, he said.

''There could well be an increase in fighting as it gets warmer,'' Brig Nyugee said.

''They are not ready yet. We have seen little evidence this year of logistic re-supply over the winter and there has been no significant increase in attacks.'' NATO's civilian spokesperson Mark Laity said ISAF 9 was leaving Afghanistan in an improved situation compared to when it had taken over in May. Brig Nyugee quantified this saying they had been successful in moving some of the key senior Taliban officers, degrading their command and control.

''We have forced them from their dug in defensive positions in Pajwayee to asymmetric attacks and despite their intent prevented them from having any major impact on Kabul.'' ''It was also clarified today that the extra troops from the US will only be those who are staying behind. The US had announced that one brigade(3,200) of the 10th Mountain Division would stay behind in Afghanistan. These troops will also only remain here for 120 days.'' The handover from ISAF 9 will see all international forces in Afghanistan coming under military command of the US. However, the ISAF forces will remain under NATO command under the US while the Coalition Forces will remain under direct US army command.

UNI