Taliban Tarin Kowt claims 'are propaganda'

Acting defence chief Ray Griggs says claims that Oruzgan Province capital Tarin Kow had nearly fallen are more Taliban propaganda than fact.

Reports that Tarin Kowt, the capital of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province, had nearly fallen to insurgent forces appear to be more Taliban propaganda than fact, a Senate committee has been told.

Acting defence force chief Vice Admiral Ray Griggs said Australia's commander in Afghanistan Brigadier Cheryl Pearce and ambassador Richard Feakes both flew into the city for a conference soon after the reported attack in early September.

They arrived at the main base, which was reportedly overrun, and met the provincial governor and the Afghan defence force commander who confirmed they remained in control.