Afghan villagers flee ahead of planned NATO offensive _CBC News

Thousands of residents near the Afghan town of Marja are fleeing their homes in anticipation of an expected NATO offensive against the Taliban stronghold.

American and British troops working alongside Afghan forces are expected to launch a major assault soon on the town in southern Helmand province in what could be one of the largest counter-insurgency operations since the conflict began in 2001.

Operation Moshtarak — “Together” in the Pashtun language — is expected to begin within the next few days. It is seen as a major test for Afghan forces, who NATO countries want to see take over more responsibility in anticipation of an eventual pullout of allied forces.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2010/02/08/afghanistan-nato-offensive.html?ref=rss#ixzz0ex94ELZQ

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