Äike
02-12-2010, 10:09 PM
Major Afghan offensive 'under way in Marjah' (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8513665.stm)
Thousands of Nato-led troops have launched the biggest offensive in Afghanistan since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001, the US military says.
US marines and Afghan troops are attacking the Taliban-held town of Marjah in Nad Ali district in a bid to re-establish government control.
Nato says Marjah is home to the biggest community under insurgent control in the south and 400 to 1,000 militants.
Many residents fled ahead of Operation Moshtarak - meaning "together" in Dari.
Nato has reportedly distributed leaflets in the Marjah area warning of the planned offensive.
Villagers said the leaflets gave the names of several alleged militant commanders and told fighters to leave the area or be killed.
Operation Moshtarak will be led by the US Marine Corps, but British troops will also be involved, supported by Danes and Estonians.
Villagers said the leaflets gave the names of several alleged militant commanders and told fighters to leave the area or be killed.
Operation Moshtarak will be led by the US Marine Corps, but British troops will also be involved, supported by Danes and Estonians.
For the first time, Afghan forces were at the forefront of planning the operation. Afghan police will provide support after the initial military operations end.
The BBC's Adam Brookes in Washington says it is has political importance because it is by far the largest single operation since President Barack Obama announced a surge, pumping an extra 30,000 troops into the country.
Thousands of Nato-led troops have launched the biggest offensive in Afghanistan since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001, the US military says.
US marines and Afghan troops are attacking the Taliban-held town of Marjah in Nad Ali district in a bid to re-establish government control.
Nato says Marjah is home to the biggest community under insurgent control in the south and 400 to 1,000 militants.
Many residents fled ahead of Operation Moshtarak - meaning "together" in Dari.
Nato has reportedly distributed leaflets in the Marjah area warning of the planned offensive.
Villagers said the leaflets gave the names of several alleged militant commanders and told fighters to leave the area or be killed.
Operation Moshtarak will be led by the US Marine Corps, but British troops will also be involved, supported by Danes and Estonians.
Villagers said the leaflets gave the names of several alleged militant commanders and told fighters to leave the area or be killed.
Operation Moshtarak will be led by the US Marine Corps, but British troops will also be involved, supported by Danes and Estonians.
For the first time, Afghan forces were at the forefront of planning the operation. Afghan police will provide support after the initial military operations end.
The BBC's Adam Brookes in Washington says it is has political importance because it is by far the largest single operation since President Barack Obama announced a surge, pumping an extra 30,000 troops into the country.