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Troops move against Taleban base Troops 'attack key Taleban base'
(about 2 hours later)
British and Afghan forces are poised to try to retake the town of Musa Qala, the main Taleban stronghold in the southern province of Helmand. Taleban fighters defending the strategic Afghan town of Musa Qala in Helmand province say they are under attack from British and Afghan troops.
The Afghan government announced the operation four days ago and has been moving troops into position. The Taleban defences include hundreds of mines.
British and Afghan army forces say they have been probing Taleban defences. Musa Qala has been the main centre of drugs trading in Afghanistan since the Taleban moved in February.
Musa Qala has taken on symbolic importance to both sides since the British withdrew in a deal with local elders more than a year ago. The Taleban takeover was in contravention of a deal brokered with tribal elders when British troops withdrew from the town last year.
Remote-controlled explosion First significant move
The Taleban say they have placed hundreds of mines on approach roads to the town. The local Taleban commander says the attack began on the afternoon on Friday and came from three directions.
The Taleban won't be there indefinitely, that's for sure Brig Gen Carlos Branco He said that British troops and Afghan army soldiers were moving together on the ground and there had been exchanges of fire.
The BBC's David Loyn in Kabul says: "This is the first significant move since the operation to take Musa Qala began on Tuesday.
"It is the first big test of the new Afghan army who are to take the lead in the offensive," he says.
There has been no immediate confirmation of the attack from British sources, although the governor of Helmand province said on Friday morning that the assault was under way.
The Taleban say they have more than 2,000 fighters ready for the defence of Musa Qala, the only substantial town they hold.
For now, they say they are holding their ground.
Hundreds of local people fled after tribal elders were told of the attack and warning leaflets dropped from the air.
A British soldier was killed and two injured when their vehicle was destroyed by a remote-controlled explosion on Tuesday, the first day of the operation.A British soldier was killed and two injured when their vehicle was destroyed by a remote-controlled explosion on Tuesday, the first day of the operation.
The Taleban claim that another vehicle was destroyed on Thursday. That has been denied by a British spokesman.The Taleban claim that another vehicle was destroyed on Thursday. That has been denied by a British spokesman.
A spokesman for the international force, Isaf, Brig Gen Carlos Branco, said the exact timing of an attack will not be announced.
"We don't telegraph our intentions. But one thing I can tell you. The Taleban won't be there indefinitely, that's for sure."
British troops have been as close as 4km (two miles) from the town but the final assault will be led by Afghan forces in their first operation of this kind.
Hundreds of local people fled after tribal elders were told of the attack and warning leaflets dropped from the air.
The Taleban say they have more than 2,000 fighters ready for the defence of Musa Qala, the only substantial town they hold, but they are now deciding whether to make a stand or to retreat to the hills.