ISAF Press Briefing
ISAF Headquarters Public Affairs 

KABUL, Afghanistan (August 15, 2011) – The International Security Assistance Force spokesperson, German Brigadier General Carsten Jacobson, announced today that Taliban senior leaders have realized that their fighting to date has been a failure. 

Throughout the spring and summer of 2011 the insurgent war campaign has not materialized as they had predicted due to unprecedented pressure; their capabilities have fallen short of their aspirations. 

Over the past year, Afghan and ISAF operations have completed more than fifty thousand rotary aircraft missions. Ten thousand of those missions were special operations missions supporting more than 2,800 raids. Of those missions, three aircraft were lost, one of which was last week’s loss.
 
ISAF’s special operations raids have lead to the successful dismantling of insurgent networks brining enemy initiated violence down thirty percent this year compared to 2010. 

“Over the past several months we have witnessed many insurgent forces returning to Pakistan and other strongholds in an effort to recover from the summer fighting season,” said Jacobson. “Although many will not return and fight those who do return will continue to take it upon themselves to continue their murderous attacks on innocent Afghans in order to commit inhumane and un-Islamic acts.” 

Jacobson reiterated that it is imperative that we continue to stand strong and ensure that the security measures we put in place remain mobile, agile and flexible to take the fight to the enemy. 

“We cannot be divided in our cause for a free Afghanistan,” said Jacobson. “It is the hard work and dedication of the coalition and Afghan forces that will ensure freedom to Afghanistan." 

The Afghan National Security Forces to date have proven that they are not only capable to respond to insurgent attacks, but also very capable of preventing such attacks. 

On August 6th a unit of Afghan National Police was informed through ANSF intelligence of a improved explosive device site near a Mosque in Khaneqah. 

The ANP captured and killed the insurgents and recovered two improvised explosive devices hidden within the mosque, safely removing the items and preventing death or injury to innocent Afghan civilians during worship. Jacobson continues to praise the professionalism and heroic actions of the ANP-ALP in their constant cooperation and improved capabilities that ensure the viability of the security forces. 

We will continue to fight shoulder to shoulder, every day with our Afghan partners, said Jacobson in closing his opening statement. 

“There are no safe havens for insurgents, no place to hide or justification for unacceptable and inhumane acts against any religion or culture. Disruption of peace and stability will not be tolerated and religion will not be used to justify horrific actions.”