NATO launches anti-Taliban operation in Helmand

Thousands of US and NATO-led forces have kicked off their biggest anti-Taliban offensive in the militant-infested southern Afghanistan.

Local eyewitnesses told Press TV on Wednesday that heavy smoke is billowing out of the city of Marjah, in the heart of Helmand province.

The assault follows earlier reports that US Marines in the region had come under fire from militants armed with sniper rifles and rocket-propelled grenades.

The Marines were targeted by sniper fire as they arrived in helicopters. US Cobra helicopters were called in to attack militant positions.

US forces are reportedly searching houses in the area for weapons and explosives.

Last week, the US-led presence and Afghan security forces unveiled plans for the operation, codenamed “Battle of Marja,” which is to take place in several stages and aims at placing the national security forces at the frontline of the conflict.

The Taliban say they have developed a new bomb that cannot be detected by Western mine sweepers. The militants have shown no signs of backing down or any interest in peace talks ahead of the big showdown.

Hundreds of Afghan families have fled their homes in Helmand to avoid being caught in crossfire. The US-led NATO forces are frequently condemned for their lack of concern for civilian lives.

A UN report released in January has painted a grim picture of the stepped-up military action aimed at killing militants. The report showed that the number of civilians killed in 2009 was higher than in any year since the 2001 US-led invasion.

The United States and its allies argue militant hideouts are being targeted in their military operations, which include the imprecise drone attacks that result in civilian casualties.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=118328§ionid=351020403.