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Major Afghan offensive 'starts' Major Afghan offensive 'starts'
(10 minutes later)
US military officials say thousands of Nato-led troops in Afghanistan have launched the biggest offensive since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001.US military officials say thousands of Nato-led troops in Afghanistan have launched the biggest offensive since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001.
The operation, in the Marjah area, involves US, British and Afghan forces, supported by Danes and Estonians. The operation, in the Marjah area, will involve US, British and Afghan forces, supported by Danes and Estonians.
Nato says Marjah is home to the biggest community under insurgent control in southern Afghanistan.Nato says Marjah is home to the biggest community under insurgent control in southern Afghanistan.
Many residents fled ahead of Operation Moshtarak, which means "together" in the Dari language. Many residents had fled ahead of Operation Moshtarak, which means "together" in the Dari language.
Nato reportedly distributed leaflets in the Marjah area at the weekend 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.