US Marines strike in Afghanistan
An American, British and Afghan force swept into the city of Marja in the largest offensive operation since the initial allied invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
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US Marines strike in AfghanistanUS marines with 1/3 Marine Weapons Company guard a man found hiding in an irrigation canal as marines battle insurgents on the northeast of Marja.
The farmer, suspected to be a Taliban spotter, was searched and released.(AFP Photo) -
US Marines strike in AfghanistanIn a rare shot, an Afghan girl walks on as the US attack continues in Marja.
Some 15,000 soldiers, including 4,400 Afghans, are taking part in Operation Moshtarak, which aims to clear militants from the Marja and Nad Ali districts of the poppy-growing central Helmand River valley.(AFP Photo) -
US Marines strike in AfghanistanDespite the heavy fighting, reports of allied casualties have been low.
The main thrust of the offensive is to smooth the way for permanent government rule in Marja, which has remained a durable Taliban stronghold since the 2001 American invasion.(NYT Photo)
