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Nato airstrike kills senior Taliban leaders
Telegraph (UK) ^ | 2:29am BST 04/08/2007 | Tom Coghlan in Bermal, Paktika Province

Posted on 08/04/2007 11:12:59 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach

Nato is reported to have killed at least two senior Taliban leaders in an airstrike north of Helmand as they were watching a public execution.

The bombing took place in the northern district of Baghran on Thursday, a district entirely controlled by the Taliban.

The Taliban's commander for southern Afghanistan, Mansoor Dadullah, was among those targeted, according to unconfirmed reports.

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The Afghan Defence Ministry said that the airstrike took place as Taliban leaders gathered to watch the public hanging of several alleged government spies.

Dadullah replaced his older brother Mullah Dadullah Akhund after he was killed by the Special Boat Service (SBS) in Helmand on May 17th.

The younger Dadullah was interviewed by Channel 4 last week promising a wave of kidnaps of foreigners in the province. He threatened to have them beheaded by child executioners.

The Afghan defence ministry claimed that intelligence reports indicated the presence of Mansoor Dadullah at the targeted meeting. The senior Taliban commander for Helmand, Mullah Rahim, was also reported killed.

Doctors in the provincial capital Lashkar Gah reported that 20 people were admitted to the main hospital from Baghran district, ranging in age from eight to 50 years old, while Kandahar hospital also admitted 12 men.

Nasibullah, one of the injured, said the bomb hit a crowded market killing dozens of civilians and that no Taliban were in the area.

One military source, who did not wish to be named denied allegations of civilian casualties.

"We are 100 per cent clear that this was entirely Taliban. Those in hospital are fighting age males. This is the Taliban trying to cover the fact that they got caught out."

A statement put out by the US-led coalition in Afghanistan last night said that it had targeted two "notorious Taliban commanders": "During a sizable meeting of senior Taliban commanders, coalition forces employed precision-guided munitions on their location after ensuring there were no innocent Afghans in the surrounding area."

Nato has systematically targeted the Taliban leadership with airstrikes for the past year and claims to have seriously depleted the Taliban's command and control structure. According to figures collated by Western diplomats in Kabul, around 45 middle and high level Taliban commanders in Helmand have been killed to date.


TOPICS: Extended News; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: afghanistan; bloweduprealgood; boom; mansoordadullah; taliban

1 posted on 08/04/2007 11:13:02 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

Dadullah is da-dead?


2 posted on 08/04/2007 11:15:51 AM PDT by vladimir998 (Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. St. Jerome)
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To: SandRat; NormsRevenge; Grampa Dave; SierraWasp; blam; SunkenCiv; Marine_Uncle; Allegra; onyx; ...
Last night's news on this:

Airstrike Kills Dozens of Taleban

***********************************************

Foxnews is reporting this also.

3 posted on 08/04/2007 11:16:11 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach (No Burkas for my Grandaughters!!!)
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To: vladimir998

He was attending an execution without knowing it was going to include him.....


4 posted on 08/04/2007 11:18:01 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach (No Burkas for my Grandaughters!!!)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
["Nato is reported to have killed at least two senior Taliban leaders in an airstrike north of Helmand as they were watching a public execution."]

Oh, the beautiful irony!

5 posted on 08/04/2007 11:18:59 AM PDT by Mad_Tom_Rackham (Elections have consequences.)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

The excellent news keeps on coming from both theaters of war on terror, Iraq and Afghanistan.


6 posted on 08/04/2007 11:20:48 AM PDT by jveritas (God bless our brave troops and President Bush.)
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To: vladimir998

How many Dadullah’s does this make? Another Moolah Dadullah bites the dust.


7 posted on 08/04/2007 11:22:37 AM PDT by Wiggins
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

Funny, I didn’t hear a thing on NPR about it this morning........must not be true, then......


8 posted on 08/04/2007 11:23:00 AM PDT by Red Badger (All I know about Minnesota, I learned from Garrison Keilor.............)
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To: Mad_Tom_Rackham

All NATO did was grant their wish; what a bunch of ingrates.


9 posted on 08/04/2007 11:23:40 AM PDT by Mr. Lucky
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
"We are 100 per cent clear that this was entirely Taliban. Those in hospital are fighting age males. This is the Taliban trying to cover the fact that they got caught out."

No, they are supplying ammunition to their allies, the Western Liberal Media.

10 posted on 08/04/2007 11:23:57 AM PDT by Pontiac (Patriotism is the natural consequence of having a free mind in a free society.)
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To: Cindy

ping


11 posted on 08/04/2007 11:25:21 AM PDT by Godzilla (Civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.)
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To: Red Badger
Funny, I didn’t hear a thing on NPR about it this morning........must not be true, then......

Isn't our MSM pathetic - Ugly, fact-less, agenda driven fools by and large -

The success that continues in Stan - Where the Taliban have had their as$ handed to them over the past 6 months like never before, even worse in some respects than in late 2001 - Yet this reality goes completely ignored and worse yet, spun by the MSM -

Ditto the constant negative spin (and lies) with regard to our mounting successes throughout Iraq -

It is every member of FR job to get these positive realities out (to family, friends and co-workers). Every member of FR should make certain to email GOP members of Congress...and demand they stand firm. An email or two a day to several members....

12 posted on 08/04/2007 11:30:13 AM PDT by DevSix
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

BLAM
BOOM
BumP!


13 posted on 08/04/2007 11:33:40 AM PDT by NormsRevenge (Semper Fi ... Welcome to FR. The Virtual Boot Camp for 'infidels' in waiting)
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To: DevSix

A lib friend of mine doesn’t believe anything I say in regards to this matter. He simply refuses to believe any “good news”. He will not watch Fox news because “They lie about everything.” I’m afraid that that is the case with much of the country. Only the CNNBCBSABCNPRNYTLATSFC words get heard and so THAT is their REALITY.........


14 posted on 08/04/2007 11:36:54 AM PDT by Red Badger (All I know about Minnesota, I learned from Garrison Keilor.............)
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To: DevSix
the constant negative spin (and lies)

Here's Reuters' headline:

Crowded Market Bombed

Dozens of Civilians Killed


15 posted on 08/04/2007 11:37:19 AM PDT by Jeff Chandler (A man who will not defend himself does not deserve to be defended by others.)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

How in the world, at this late date, are there entire areas entirely controlled by the Taliban?

WHAT THE HELL HAVE WE BEEN DOING FOR THESE PAST SEVERAL YEARS? WHY ARE THESE LOONS STILL ALIVE?

My desperate attempts to support Bush are evolving into bitter resentment.


16 posted on 08/04/2007 11:39:21 AM PDT by dsc (There is no safety for honest men except by believing all possible evil of evil men. Edmund Burke)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

Warning to Afghan citizens if the Taliban comes your area, it is time for you and your family to leave quickly.


17 posted on 08/04/2007 11:39:40 AM PDT by Grampa Dave (Support Free Republic with donations, That is the conservative way. No Freeploading!)
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To: DevSix
In the 1968 battle for the City of Hue, 147 United States Marines died while the NVA suffered 5,113 KIA. The media considered this to have been a US defeat.
18 posted on 08/04/2007 11:43:15 AM PDT by Mr. Lucky
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To: Red Badger
A lib friend of mine doesn’t believe anything I say in regards to this matter. He simply refuses to believe any “good news”. He will not watch Fox news because “They lie about everything.” I’m afraid that that is the case with much of the country. Only the CNNBCBSABCNPRNYTLATSFC words get heard and so THAT is their REALITY.........

Of course there is a segment of "Libs" that are so emotionally invested in being dumb & wrong about this WOT/Iraq they don't want to see reality or be bothered by facts......But they are the minority by and large (but a sizable segment, I'll give you that).

Stay focused with touting our successes & progress though - To others, to co-workers and such. Don't be argumentative but pass along a worthy news story once a week or so.

The majority of the American public when properly informed and engaged most certainly does support this WOT/Iraq. They do support and understand we need to be successful.

The problem is this WH/RNC refused to understand or hold up their end of the current WOT/Iraq - That being the PR aspect of modern warfare. Since 04 the WH/RNC refused to put forth an effective, systematic and informative PR campaign touting our successes or touting why we must stay in this fight - It was all reactive by them....Never proactive / setting the premise.

However, that job now falls to everyday citizens. Keep people informed of our successes. Keep pressure on GOP representatives to stand firm.

History will be very kind to those that stood firm.

19 posted on 08/04/2007 11:45:26 AM PDT by DevSix
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

Enough talk, GIMME VIDEO...


20 posted on 08/04/2007 11:47:28 AM PDT by skeeter
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To: DevSix

It’s not just the WOT, it’s everything! There have been so many arguments on GLOWBULL WARMING that it is now a verboten subject at work............


21 posted on 08/04/2007 11:50:21 AM PDT by Red Badger (All I know about Minnesota, I learned from Garrison Keilor.............)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
Nato is reported to have killed at least two senior Taliban leaders in an airstrike north of Helmand as they were watching a public execution.

Aren't Nancy and Harry going to insist upon having an investigation based upon this good news?

22 posted on 08/04/2007 11:52:18 AM PDT by EGPWS (Trust in God, question everyone else)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

An earlier thread with comments:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1876256/posts?page=1,50


23 posted on 08/04/2007 12:01:54 PM PDT by Ben Hecks
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To: dsc
My desperate attempts to support Bush are evolving into bitter resentment.

That is a common human trait when we don't experience or remember who could be honestly worthy of lack of support via concern or forget history that lead us to this scenario in the first place.

24 posted on 08/04/2007 12:03:59 PM PDT by EGPWS (Trust in God, question everyone else)
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To: dsc

You need help....see #18!


25 posted on 08/04/2007 12:51:47 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach (No Burkas for my Grandaughters!!!)
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To: Ben Hecks

Thanks,....no keywords on it, and my search didn’t turn it up....


26 posted on 08/04/2007 12:55:55 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach (No Burkas for my Grandaughters!!!)
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To: dsc

How in the world, at this late date, are there entire areas entirely controlled by the Taliban?

WHAT THE HELL HAVE WE BEEN DOING FOR THESE PAST SEVERAL YEARS? WHY ARE THESE LOONS STILL ALIVE?

My desperate attempts to support Bush are evolving into bitter resentment.


So, if this were WWII, instead of now, I guess you would have been really complaining about Iwo Jima.

Many complain because we haven’t routed world-wide organized crime or terrorism in a little over 4 years.

WWII lasted 27 years.


27 posted on 08/04/2007 1:06:28 PM PDT by UCANSEE2
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

Looking forward to putting up the thread on this when it comes in from one of the military news services that I use.


28 posted on 08/04/2007 1:16:56 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
29 posted on 08/04/2007 1:29:21 PM PDT by b4its2late (When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.)
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To: b4its2late

Sha-boom, sha-boom baby!


30 posted on 08/04/2007 1:46:49 PM PDT by ASOC (Yeah, well, maybe - but can you *prove* it?)
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To: SandRat

We scorded BIG with this one....


31 posted on 08/04/2007 2:05:46 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach (No Burkas for my Grandaughters!!!)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
Great news. Prayers and 100% supports for our troops and all countries soldiers that are fighting the WOT. You are winning and we support you! You make us all proud. Do not listed to Newt Gingrich. He is a pompous arse. You are not fighting a phony war and you are beating the terrorists. They fear you, that is why they are cowrds that hide in the shadows, live in caves and kill women and children. You control all the battlefields. God Bless you all. Newt, you are an SOB and no better than the lousy democrats.
32 posted on 08/04/2007 2:06:57 PM PDT by jrooney (The democrats are the friend of our enemy and the enemy of our friends. Attack them, not GW!)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

So I hear from the media but still waiting for it to appear on the mil sites.


33 posted on 08/04/2007 2:08:10 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
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To: SandRat

Good,....we depend on your Official postings....makes the heart feel good!


34 posted on 08/04/2007 2:16:23 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach (No Burkas for my Grandaughters!!!)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

Still refreshing the sites and nothing yet.


35 posted on 08/04/2007 2:17:40 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

I greatly enjoy the irony of this story.

Several Taliban guys get killed while witnessing an execution they likely ordered.


36 posted on 08/04/2007 2:20:54 PM PDT by MplsSteve
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

Keep on rollin’!


37 posted on 08/04/2007 2:25:53 PM PDT by monkeycard (There is no such thing as too much ammo.)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach; AdmSmith; Berosus; Convert from ECUSA; dervish; Fred Nerks; KlueLass; LucyT; ..
Nato is reported to have killed at least two senior Taliban leaders in an airstrike north of Helmand as they were watching a public execution. The bombing took place in the northern district of Baghran on Thursday, a district entirely controlled by the Taliban.
s/b "district entirely controlled by the Taliban, except for airspace." Thanks E. Guess the public execution was a little broader than the terrorists would have liked.
38 posted on 08/04/2007 2:56:14 PM PDT by SunkenCiv (Profile updated Thursday, August 2, 2007. https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
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To: UCANSEE2

“So, if this were WWII, instead of now, I guess you would have been really complaining about Iwo Jima.”

That doesn’t even make any sense. We entered WWII in December 1941, and cleaned out Iwo Jima in 35 days, a little more than two years later.

What we have now is analagous to being told in mid-1947 that entire areas of Iwo Jima are still totally under Japanese control.

“Many complain because we haven’t routed world-wide organized crime”

Flag on the play. No changing of subject.

“or terrorism in a little over 4 years.”

Personal foul. I’m not complaining because we haven’t routed world-wide terrorism in a little over 4 years. I’m complaining because we haven’t wiped out one group in one country in a little over four years...which was entirely achievable.

“WWII lasted 27 years.”

You date WWII to 1918? Fascinating.

Be that as it may, we didn’t get geared up to fight effectively until 1942, and about two and a half years later had pretty much wiped out the armies of both Germany and Japan (with substantial assistance from Russia in the East).

Taking that as our standard, after four years there shouldn’t be more than two dozen Taliban still this side of Hell, and even those should be cowering in remote caves.

I don’t fault our military men in any way, but our civilian leadership has failed us in the worst way.


39 posted on 08/04/2007 3:02:49 PM PDT by dsc (There is no safety for honest men except by believing all possible evil of evil men. Edmund Burke)
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To: EGPWS

“That is a common human trait when we don’t experience or remember who could be honestly worthy of lack of support via concern or forget history that lead us to this scenario in the first place.”

It’s also seen when leaders stab us in the back.


40 posted on 08/04/2007 3:05:23 PM PDT by dsc (There is no safety for honest men except by believing all possible evil of evil men. Edmund Burke)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

“You need help....see #18!”

What in the world are you talking about? That has nothing whatever to do with my comment.


41 posted on 08/04/2007 3:06:20 PM PDT by dsc (There is no safety for honest men except by believing all possible evil of evil men. Edmund Burke)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
... as they were watching a public execution.

Classic.

42 posted on 08/04/2007 3:07:03 PM PDT by Junior_G
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To: SunkenCiv; Grampa Dave
If wishes were horses...

"The bombing took place in the northern district of Baghran on Thursday, a district entirely controlled by the Taliban reduced to glass."

43 posted on 08/04/2007 4:04:58 PM PDT by Seadog Bytes (OPM - The Liberal 'solution' to every societal problem. (Other People's Money))
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
ISP service has been miserable of lately have not been on FR in a few days. Can't even get a connection to the new WiFi Earthlink service offered in my area, which I have subscribed to.
At any rate, hope all bystanders where also blown into little bits.
44 posted on 08/05/2007 1:45:51 PM PDT by Marine_Uncle (Hunter in 2008)
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To: dsc
Do some reading:

See this:

Terrorists in Their Own Words -(A compilation drawn from translations ......)

45 posted on 08/05/2007 4:33:47 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach (No Burkas for my Gran-daughters!!!)
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To: DevSix

I did an, admittedly, un scientific search of the various news sites, ABCNNBCBS, etc. for this story and it was not there. At least not as a “Taliban leadership” death story. When I did find it, it was a “Civilian deaths” story............


46 posted on 08/06/2007 5:16:11 AM PDT by Red Badger (All I know about Minnesota, I learned from Garrison Keilor.............)
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