US; Other Troops Sweep into Taliban

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Though the bulk of the troops attacking Marjah are American, British and Canadian troops also swept into Taliban areas to the north of the town, seeking to clear a wide swath of villages that had been under Taliban control for several years.

A British general said the more than 1,000 U.K. troops involved "have successfully secured the area militarily."

Maj. Gen. Gordon Messenger told reporters in London that British troops have only had to deal with "sporadic attacks from a distance" and roadside bombs.

The long-awaited assault on Marjah is a key test of a new NATO strategy focused on protecting civilians. The attack is also the first major combat operation since President Barack Obama ordered 30,000 U.S. reinforcements here in December to try to turn the tide of the war.

US, Afghan troops sweep into Taliban stronghold - Yahoo! News