Published Date:
02 July 2009
THOUSANDS of US marines and hundreds of Afghan troops poured into Taleban-infested villages of southern Afghanistan with armour and helicopters today in the first major operation under President Barack Obama's strategy to stabilise the country.
The offensive was launched shortly after 1am today local time in Helmand province. The goal is to clear insurgents from the hotly contested region before the nation's August 20 presidential election.
Officials described the operation, dubbed Khanjar, or Strike of the Sword, as the largest and fastest-moving of the war's new phase, involving nearly 4,000 of the newly arrived Marines and 650 Afghan forces.
Daybreak brought sporadic gunfire, but no heavy fighting immediately broke out. Medical helicopters circled overhead and landed, indicating possible early casualties among the Marines.
A roadside bomb early in the mission wounded one Marine, but he was able to continue, spokesman Captain Bill Pelletier said.
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Last Updated:
02 July 2009 10:09 AM
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Source:
Edinburgh Evening News
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Location:
Edinburgh