WED FEB 27 2008 KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — While Afghanistan cultivates 90 percent of the world supply of opium for heroin production for distribution in Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East; a six-hour gunfight decided a victory for NATO forces who killed 25 Taliban fighters and arrested others. On Thursday four other Taliban were killed when a landmine intended for the NATO opium eradication team detonated during installation.
Taliban commander named Mullah Naqeebullah was among the dead.
The troops found 1.65 tons of opium, which ISAF (NATO’s International Security Assistance Force) said was worth $400 million — estimated street value after export from Afghanistan.