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Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth warned of likely British casualties as troops prepared to take part in a major international offensive against insurgents in Afghanistan.
Taliban fighters have been given a choice to lay down their weapons or face "overwhelming force" as thousands of coalition soldiers take part in the operation, which is due to begin in the coming days.
Mr Ainsworth said casualties would be a "very real risk" during Operation Moshtarak, during which militants will be cleared from areas surrounding the town of Marja in Helmand.
He said: "Of course casualties are something we have to come to expect when we're involved in these operations and people have had that brought home to them.
"This is not a safe environment and it doesn't matter how much kit and equipment we provide for them, we cannot entirely make these operations risk free.
"But they are well planned, there's good provision and we can only hope for success for our people.
"We shouldn't deny or pretend to people that we can provide security and that casualties are not a very real risk on these kind of operations and people have to be prepared for that."
He said British commanders and Afghan forces had been talking to disaffected Afghans in an attempt to draw them away from the insurgency and added: "This is not about slaughtering people. This war will not be won by killing Taliban, it will be won in the hearts and the minds of the Afghan people."
British military spokesman Major General Gordon Messenger acknowledged that the Taliban were likely to put up a fight and told Sky News' Sunday Live there had been a "conscious decision" to reveal details of the push before it began despite the risk of losing the element of surprise.
As areas are cleared of Taliban fighters, Afghan authorities will move in and establish contact with village elders.
Reader views (3)
Last 8 years there is no rresult of this aimless war. Sometime USA and UK leaders have said thay have food relation with Taliban Al Qaidea. Talbel talk is neccessary. Are they fooling us by their meaningless statements.Why Taliban lay down their weapons?? Who provide them weapons?? What it means,"This is not about slaughtering people. This war will not be won by killing Taliban, it will be won in the hearts and the minds of the Afghan people." It is wrong saying, you are killing the innocent Men,ladies, children, destrying their economic system. But number of Taliban or Al Qadia are increasing day by day with letest weapons. Peoples are suffering by food and basice necessities You are questioning and answering your own words.If you want to win hearts & minds get back your forces,stop provide them weapons and finance. How long we will cheat the peoples or give them wrong informations?? MAN PURPOSES GOD DISPOSES.
- Chishty, London, 09/02/2010 05:26
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At last a Minister that tells it as it is. In a war you expect to get casualties. The awful sad fact is that a few of our men will not be returning alive. We have to steel ourselves to that fact.
- Dhan Raj, Basildon, 08/02/2010 19:34
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If this isn't a very compelling reason for an Election right now I don't know what is. This lame duck government is sending the cream of man and womanhood to this god forsaken hole in a vain effort to curry favour with those across the pond. When did any occupying force come away from Afghanistan winning and with heads held high ???
- John.W, east kent., 08/02/2010 19:03
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