US Marines launch large Afghan offensive

KABUL, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines and Afghan troops have launched the first offensive since President Barack Obama announced an American troop surge.

Maj. William Pelletier, a U.S. military spokesman, said about 1,000 Marines as well as Afghan troops launched Operation Cobra's Anger early Friday in the northern part of Helmand province.

The offensive aims at cutting off the Taliban communication routes through Helmand and disrupting their supply lines, especially those providing the explosives for the numerous lethal roadside bombs that litter the area.

So far there are no reports of casualties.

Obama announced Tuesday he was sending 30,000 new troops to Afghanistan. America's European allies have pledged another 7,000 soldiers.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — U.S. Marines and Afghan troops have launched the first offensive since President Barack Obama announced an American troop surge.

Maj. William Pelletier, a U.S. military spokesman, said about 1,000 Marines as well as Afghan troops launched Operation Cobra's Anger early Friday in the northern part of Helmand province.

The offensive aims at cutting off the Taliban communication routes through Helmand and disrupting their supply lines, especially those providing the explosives for the numerous lethal roadside bombs that litter the area.

So far there are no reports of casualties.

Obama announced Tuesday he was sending 30,000 new troops to Afghanistan. America's European allies have pledged another 7,000 soldiers.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091204/ap_on_re_as/as_afghanistan/print

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