UK claims nine al Qaeda camps destroyed

Britain confirmed today the ongoing airstrikes against Afghanistan had destroyed nine al Qaeda training camps and severely damaged…

Britain confirmed today the ongoing airstrikes against Afghanistan had destroyed nine al Qaeda training camps and severely damaged nine airfields and 24 military barracks.

"We believe that nine al Qaeda camps were occupied before the start of the military operation. I can now tell you that we have successfully put all these camps out of action," the Defence Secretary, Mr Geoff Hoon, told a news conference.

He said the attacks were continuing to put the Taliban under pressure, weakening their ability to withstand any advances by the opposition Northern Alliance.

"Nine airfields have been attacked and are now mostly out of action. Twenty four military garrisons have been hit hard and forces in the field are currently being attacked, weakening their ability to withstand the Northern Alliance," Mr Hoon said.

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He said the Taliban air force had been effectively destroyed.