NATO launches major southern Afghan offensive

[maddezmom]

KABUL (Reuters) - NATO launched its biggest offensive in Afghanistan since the 2001 war on Tuesday, targetting the Taliban and drug lords as hundreds of people rallied in the east against U.S. soldiers killing civilians.

Operation Achilles, which will eventually involve 4,500 NATO soldiers and 1,000 Afghans, began about dawn in Helmand province -- the opium center of the world's biggest producer, the head of the alliance's southern command Dutch Major-General Ton van Loon said in a statement.

The Taliban over-ran the key Helmand town of Musa Qala a month ago, ending a controversial truce, but a NATO spokeswoman said Achilles was not specifically aimed at regaining the town.

"It signifies the beginning of a planned offensive to bring security to northern Helmand and set the conditions for meaningful development that will fundamentally improve the quality of life for Afghans in the area," van Loon said.

more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/afghan_dc

[acmavm]

1. We need to face it. We had as much of a chance of conquering the

Afganis as Russia did. Or even if there was a chance, Shock and Awe completely made it impossible.

[ShortnFiery]

2. Be Prepared for reports of "high body counts" of insurgents killed ...

In other news: Chocolate Rations are up and the USA Stock Market is stable. ;)