Marines, Afghan Troops To Be Stationed In Marjah

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Marines in the southern Afghan town of Marjah say Taliban insurgents have been attacking resupply convoys with roadside bombs.

U.S. forces have been fortifying positions around the town and commanders say more than 2,000 Marines will remain in Marjah for the next several months. About 1,000 Afghan troops and 900 Afghan paramilitary police are also patrolling the town.

Residents have told government officials that they preferred NATO troops be based in the town itself, rather on the outskirts, to provide better security. A Marine spokesman says the NATO presence is the best way to make the Afghan population feel safe.

But the attacks against supply convoys are a sign that the Taliban have not been beaten even though they’ve lost control of Marjah. Marines say the insurgents are planting the bombs during the night on trails that demolition teams had cleared.