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November 22, 2008 12:08:46 PM CST

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Afghans Launch Assault on Taliban

Posted Jun 18, 08 8:27 CDT in World 

(Newser) – Afghan and NATO troops launched a huge offensive against the Taliban today, Reuters reports, starting with an air and ground assault on a valley in southern Afghanistan. Bolstered with hundreds of fighters freed in last week’s prison break, the Taliban has taken several villages in Arghandab, and has its sights on nearby Kandahar city—where NATO is bolstering security in response.

Twenty guerrillas were killed in the raid, as were two Afghans. NATO and Afghan forces hope to flush out those militants, who have reportedly planted mines to deter such assaults. “From a strategic military point of view, Arghandab is a very good place for the Taliban,” said one provincial council member. “It’s covered with trees and gardens. They can easily hide from airstrikes.”

Sources Reuters, Associated Press

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Afghan National Army soldiers patrol on the outskirts of Kandahar city, southern Afghanistan, Wednesday, June 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Allauddin Khan)
A helicopter of the International Security Assistance Force flies over Arghandab district in Kandahar province, south of Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, June 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Allauddin Khan)
Reinforcement Afghan soldiers wait at Kabul airport to be transferred to Arghandab district which is partly controlled by the Taliban militants, June 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)
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