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Marines Launch New Afghan Assault

By the Associated Press

Posted Aug 12, 2009 5:36 PM CDT

(AP) – US Marines battled Taliban fighters today for control of a strategic southern town in a new operation to cut militant supply lines and allow Afghan residents to vote in next week's presidential election. Insurgents appeared to dig in for a fight, firing rocket-propelled grenades, mortar rounds, and even missiles from the back of a truck. Officers predicted days of combat before the town is secured.

"Based on the violence with which they've been fighting back against us, I think it indicates the Taliban are trying to make a stand here," said a Marine captain. About 400 Marines were joined by 100 Afghan fighters in the battle. It's the third major push by US and British forces this summer into Taliban-controlled areas of Helmand province, center of Afghanistan's lucrative opium business and scene of some of the heaviest fighting of the Afghan war.

U.S. Marines take a position on a rooftop while fighting the Taliban in the village of Dahaneh Wednesday. (Julie Jacobson)

Afghan National Army captain Bahader Khan, right, advises a resident of the village of Dahaneh, left, to move inside. (Julie Jacobson)

After an eight-hour firefight against Taliban forces, US. Marines rest in the room of a home they turned into a command center in the village of Dahaneh. (Julie Jacobson)

U.S. Marine Lt. Joe Cull provides cover for Afghan National Army soldiers Wednesday. (Julie Jacobson)

U.S. Marine Lt. Joe Cull throws a smoke grenade to help provide cover. (Julie Jacobson)

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Taliban: Prince Harry Shouldn't Kill

'Captain Wales' to return to Afghanistan this year; he'll be Taliban target

US Eyes Switch to Special Ops in Afghanistan

Focus to be on training, special missions, not policing

Afghan Civilian Deaths Hit New High

More than 3K killed, mostly by Taliban

Panetta: US Combat Role in Afghanistan Over in 2013

But American, NATO troops will still have 'robust' advisory role

Backed By Pakistan, Taliban Set to Retake Afghanistan

ISI providing direct assistance, says secret NATO report viewed by the BBC

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Marines Launch New Afghan Assault

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Afghanistan • Taliban • Afghanistan army • Helmand province • Afghanistan war • Marines

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Taliban: Prince Harry Shouldn't Kill

'Captain Wales' to return to Afghanistan this year; he'll be Taliban target

US Eyes Switch to Special Ops in Afghanistan

Focus to be on training, special missions, not policing

Afghan Civilian Deaths Hit New High

More than 3K killed, mostly by Taliban

Panetta: US Combat Role in Afghanistan Over in 2013

But American, NATO troops will still have 'robust' advisory role

Backed By Pakistan, Taliban Set to Retake Afghanistan

ISI providing direct assistance, says secret NATO report viewed by the BBC

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?