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Major Afghan offensive 'starts' Major Afghan offensive 'starts'
(30 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. Thousands of Nato-led troops have launched the biggest offensive in Afghanistan since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001, the US military says.
The operation, in the Marjah area, will involve US, British and Afghan forces, supported by Danes and Estonians. 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 southern Afghanistan. Nato says Marjah is home to the biggest community under insurgent control in the south and 400 to 1,000 militants.
Many residents had fled ahead of Operation Moshtarak, which means "together" in the Dari language. Many residents fled ahead of Operation Moshtarak - meaning "together" in Dari.
Nato reportedly distributed leaflets in the Marjah area at the weekend warning of the planned offensive. Nato has reportedly distributed leaflets in the Marjah area warning of the planned offensive.
MARJAH: 'TALIBAN STRONGHOLD' Town and district about 40km (25 miles) south-west of Lashkar GahLies in Helmand's 'Green Zone' - an irrigated area of lush vegetation and farmlandLast remaining major Taliban stronghold in southern HelmandArea considered a centre for assembling roadside bombsKey supply centre for opium poppies - lucrative revenue source for TalibanEstimates of Taliban numbers range up to 1,000 Population of Marjah town put at 80,000 while the whole of Marjah district is thought to have 125,000 UK forces 'soften up' Taliban targets
Villagers said the leaflets gave the names of several alleged militant commanders and told fighters to leave the area or be killed.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.
Operation Moshtarak: Assault in Helmand province