US and British to Launch Biggest Offensive Since 2001, The Telegraph, 3 February 2010
EXCERPT: "American commanders gave notice on Wednesday that the assault is imminent. US, British and Afghan forces will flood into a Taliban enclave in southern Helmand province in a massive show of force intended as a decisive start to President Barack Obama's 'surge' of 30,000 extra troops. The operation is expected to involve up to 15,000 personnel and could last between six and eight weeks. They are preparing to take the town of Marjah which they describe as a 'festering sore' after last summer's Helmand offensives. The town has been described as a nexus of militant fighters, bomb makers and opium traffickers and is believed to have given sanctuary to many fighters who fled British and US operations in central Helmand last July. US officers believe between 600 and 1,000 fighters, including 150 foreign volunteers, are in the district."
Read the full story.
Related articles:
Taliban raid showcases new battle tactics, Asia Times Online, 3 February 2010
Stable now, future uncertain for Afghan town, Stars and Stripes, 3 February 2010
US expects 18,000 more soldiers in Afghanistan by spring, The National Post, 2 February 2010
As marines move in, Taliban fight a shadowy war, The New York Times, 1 February 2010
January death rate signal of tough year in Afghan war, AFP, 1 February 2010
Related posts:
Securing Helmand, 29 September 2009
Conflict assessment Afghanistan, 15 September 2009
Winning in Afghanistan: How the US will win or lose the war, 15 September 2009
2009 deadliest year for NATO troops, 25 August 2009
Afghan insurgent violence accelerates in 2009, 12 June 2009

