Momentum shifts in Helmand, Pentagon spokesman says: "Operation Moshtarak, now in its 18th day in Afghanistan's Helmand province, is 'progressing extraordinarily well' and is moving from the clearing phase to the holding phase, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said March 3.
'There are still pockets where we believe there to be some Taliban hiding out, perhaps lying in wait,' he said. 'We are determined to clear out those pockets, as well.'
Pockets of fighting probably will continue for weeks, he added, even as signs of normalcy emerge there.
Because of the operation, the Afghan government now is in control of the Helmand cities of Marja and Nad Ali, Morrell said.
'The Afghan flag is flying over Marja for the first time in Lord knows how long,' he said. 'Markets are open; they're well-stocked. Commerce is flowing. Displaced persons are returning to their homes. There is a greater sense of security. There is widespread participation in [community meetings]. So things are trending in the right direction there.'
Morrell emphasized that even as progress continues, the job isn't finished. 'I don't want to sound overly confident,' he said. 'There is still more fighting to be done, still more areas to be cleared. Undoubtedly, there are still more losses to suffer.'"
