Dutch forces ended a major operation in the southern Afghan province of Uruzgan at the weekend, reports the NRC. One Taliban soldier was reportedly killed during the operation in the Mirabad Valley.

Some 500 British troops took part in the so-called operation Tornado together with 350 Dutch and 150 Afghan soldiers, according to the NRC. Operation Tornado was intended to “disrupt enemy operations” and was “successful” commander Kees Matthijssen told the NRC.
He said troops found mortar rounds, rocket-propelled grenades and roadside bombs during raids on local houses.
Around 1,600 Dutch troops have been stationed in Uruzgan since the spring of 2006 as part of the NATO-led mission. Dutch troops will remain in the area until 2010. So far 16 Dutch soldiers have been killed while serving in the region.