§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence has been collated by his Department on Taliban activity in the Zabul province of Afghanistan. [91160]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienFollowing Operation Anaconda in March 2002, we received reports that some residual Taliban elements had moved into Zabul, Paktia and Paktika provinces. Poor security and remoteness continue to hamper aid programmes in Zabul. The Governor of Zabul blames these activities on Taliban remnants.