Afghanistan offensive an 'intelligent tactic'

The head of British forces in Afghanistan in 2003 has said the coalition offensive due to get under way in Afghanistan is an "intelligent and imaginative tactic".

Colonel Richard Kemp said the approach fitted in with General McChrystal's aim of "minimising bloodshed on all sides while at the same time conquering the Taliban".

He admitted it remained a "high-risk strategy" but that "our forces are extremely capable... very experienced in this kind of combat".