NATO, Afghan Troops Launch Offensive In Helmand

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) says the offensive -- code-named Operation Achilles --will eventually involve 4,500 NATO-led troops and nearly 1,000 Afghan soldiers.

The commander of ISAF's Regional Command South, Dutch Major vGeneral Ton van Loon, said the forces were targeting Taliban militants and drug traffickers.

"This operation is targeting Taliban extremists, narcotraffickers, and foreign terrorists who have abused you, the Afghan people, and who have enriched themselves from your hard work," he said today.

Afghanistan is the world's largest producer of drugs from opium poppies. Helmand is expected to have a larger opium poppy harvest this year than any other Afghan province.

The government in Kabul has little control over isolated districts of Helmand Province. British troops and other NATO forces stationed there have been fighting battles almost every day since the start of February.

(AP, AFP, Reuters)