NATO’s recent offensive in Southern Afghanistan was a “significant success” that has driven Taliban insurgents from their positions and opened the way for development, said British Lt. Gen. David Richards, commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, crediting the teamwork of Afghan, NATO, and coalition forces. The two-week offensive, known as Operation Medusa, has paved the way for the “reconstruction and development” that will bring a “long-lasting security,” added Richards in a statement. The end of Medusa also marked the beginning of a new one, dubbed Operation Mountain Fury, which involves 7,000 coalition forces in the central and eastern provinces.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.