InfoAnda - US Marines storm south in major Afghan offensive

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

US general assumes command in Afghanistan | 15 June 2009
Tick saliva could hold cancer cure: Brazilian scientists | 29 August 2009
Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers Issue New Rules Cutting Off Gifts To Doctors | 2 January 2009

Police intimidating Facebook users in Kashmir: rights group | 21 July 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : US Marines storm south in major Afghan offensive

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: US Marines storm south in major Afghan offensive AFP - Friday, July 3 CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan (AFP) - - Thousands of US Marines poured into Afghanistan's Taliban heartlands Thursday in an air and ground assault that marked a high-risk test for President Barack Obama's new war plan. ADVERTISEMENT Dozens of aircraft ferried out the Marines from bases before dawn, aiming to take control of insurgent bastions of Helmand province in the country's south ahead of landmark Afghan elections next month. Involving nearly 4,000 US soldiers, it was the Marines' first major operation since they arrived in Afghanistan as part of Obama's aggressive new strategy to turn the tide on a dragging conflict with the Taliban. "What makes Operation Khanjar different from those that have occurred before is the massive size of the force introduced, the speed at which it will insert," Marine commander Brigadier General Larry Nicholson said. Around 10 hours into the Marines' biggest battle since Fallujah in Iraq in November 2004, Marine spokesman Lieutenant Abe Sipe said troops had encountered little resistance and suffered no major casualties. "There has been sporadic and light resistance involving small-arms fire," he said. "They (the insurgents) are withdrawing after light resistance. The operation to stabilise and secure the Helmand Valley is going forward." The operation called Khanjar, which means dagger in Dari and Pashtu but was translated by the Marines as "Strike of the Sword", also involved about 650 Afghan police and soldiers. The first highly aggressive phase of the operation was set to last 36 hours, commanders said. The forces were to push south down the Helmand River valley, deep into insurgent-held areas where foreign troops have failed to establish a presence despite ousting the Taliban from power in 2001. "Our aim is for us to be meeting local people within hours, and that's what we'll be doing for the next seven or eight months," Nicholson told AFP. In one small part of the operation a fleet of helicopters lifted about 300 Marines from a desert camp called Dwyer at dawn, their commander confident they would have cleared a key road, secured a bridge and met villagers by evening. "I told my men everything they have done to prepare for this operation means they are ready to go," said Captain Junwei Sun, 39, commanding officer of 2/8 Infantry Battalion's Fox company. Afghan security forces were driving out to their targeted area, where the forces would meet, he said. "We expect to encounter resistance and come into enemy contact," the captain added. Commanders said they would persuade locals that the Afghan security forces -- backed by Western troops -- offered them a better long-term future than the Islamist hardliners. "This is a big, risky plan," Nicholson told his men at a briefing at Camp Leatherneck in the run-up to the battle's launch. "It involves great risks and amazing opportunities. These are days of immense change for Helmand province. We're going down there, and we're going to stay -- that's what is different this time." Reflecting the new US strategy, he stressed that the security needs of Helmand's residents came before killing Taliban as well as the importance of gaining local trust. Key targets of the air and land assault include the districts of Nawa and nearby Garmsir, where many insurgents are said to take refuge and produce the opium that funds militants. Officers walking through the battle plan on a large floor map said they expected to find 300-500 Taliban fighters in Nawa district. They also spoke of the key role that would be played by teams clearing roads of improvised explosive devices -- favoured weapons of the militants. Unmanned aerial surveillance would keep watch overhead while loudspeakers would keep local people informed, they said. Afghan army corps commander General Shair Mohammad Zazai told AFP the operation, conducted on three main fronts, would establish security "so that people can go and vote with confidence and without fear". Authorities have been concerned that the Taliban could undermine Afghanistan's second-ever presidential vote with violence and intimidation. Khanjar appeared to be the biggest joint operation in Afghanistan since March 2007 when British forces led 5,500 troops in a campaign in Helmand. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 1 user recommend Related Articles: Asia Pacific Khmer Rouge child survivor weeps for motherAFP - Friday, July 3 Kiwi airline bares all for safetyAFP - Friday, July 3 Top Australia firefighter criticised over wildfiresAFP - Friday, July 3 Indian court rules gay sex legalAFP - 1 hour 8 minutes ago UN chief Ban warned over risky Myanmar visitAFP - Thursday, July 2 Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed Jackson Neverland funeral ruled out as will surfaces The daily grind: Sex for a week boosts sperm quality Schwarzenegger declares emergency in California Hundreds say final farewell to Farrah Fawcett Questions mount over Jackson animal kingdom View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Thursday, 2 July 2009
Iraq death toll spikes as US troops leave cities
Iran says 20 killed in post-election turmoil
Iraq death toll spikes as US troops leave cities
Michael Jackson's Childhood Home May Be Moved To Another Location
Poland eyes Gulf investment hub role
Michael Jackson's Albums Dominates Billboard Charts
Pakistani troops clear Taliban stronghold in Swat | International |
Report: Iran's Ahmadinejad cancels Libya visit
Can't Catch The Vibe; Hip-Hop/R&B Magazine Closes Doors
Mexican gangs target outspoken priests in drug war | International |
US private sector 'cut 473,000 jobs in June'
Michael Jackson's Home Reportedly Found With Extremely Dangerous Drug
Ethiopia dismisses Somali threat, violence flares | International |
Britain's Great Train Robber is refused parole | International |
Diana Ross Was Michael Jackson's Second Choice To Act As Guardian For Kids
Recession Causes TV Guide To Cancel Emmy Party
Last Known Michael Jackson Will To Be Filed Wednesday
Antonio Banderas And Melanie Griffith Loses Battle Over Spanish Summer House
Michael Jackson Tribute Show Likely To Feature Family
Sweden kicks off EU presidency in institutional fog
Farrah Fawcett Mourned By 200 Friends And Family Members At Private Funeral
UN chief says climate pact must be finalized
UN probe into slaying of Bhutto begins
China Web controversy highlights public role
Poll: Pakistanis view Taliban as threat to country
WFP says funding shortfall for NKorea food aid
State-by-state list of obesity rates, rankings
At least 4 die in anti-India protest in Kashmir
Mississippi's still fattest but Alabama closing in
NASA: Space shuttle fueling test looks successful
Japan's embattled PM Aso names two new ministers
LG says considering additional LCD line | Technology |
NJ man on 15th drunken-driving offense: I'm guilty
Thailand, Australia report new swine flu deaths
Washington state farmers sue to stop feedlot plan
U.S. gov't to release $4 billion soon for broadband | Technology |
Japan leader carries out minor Cabinet reshuffle
The Nation's weather
Enraged elephant stomps 3 Thai workers to death
Obama to hold another health care town hall
Americans not explicit when defining what sex is
Panel set to rule on Quecreek Mine fines
Shinsei, Aozora announce plan to merge
Nomura to buy NikkoCiti Trust from Citigroup
South Korea's June trade surplus hits record
WRAPUP 1-S.Korean exports, housing prices extend recovery
Airbus kicks off construction on new China plant
Sony struggling as Walkman hits 30th anniversary
Japan's Shinsei and Aozora Banks agree to merge
Actor Karl Malden dies at 97 | Entertainment |
World Bank lends $50 mln to Pakistan for irrigation
Is Twitter the news outlet for the 21st century?
Digital images of all Rembrandt's work on show
'Best job' Brit lands on Australian paradise island
Fashion designer crashes car into Calif. store
Fans gather for Apollo Theater's Jackson memorial
Mousavi urges Iran vote re-run, backs rights group
US-TECH Summary
U.S. Marines launch major assault in Afghan valley | International |
Battle for EU president post commences
Schwarzenegger declares emergency in California
Amnesty says Israel "wantonly" destroyed Gaza
China paper says Web filter only a matter of time
Young survivor of Comoros crash heading to Paris
2010 species pledge set to fail: conservationists
Saddam's weapons bluff aimed at Iran: FBI reports | International |
Disney's "Little Mermaid" Broadway Musical To Close
US auto sales appear to stabilize
Honduras rulers reject world pressure to reverse coup | International |
Iraq far behind in mine clearance
Sirius XM CEO gets pay hike
Actor Karl Malden Dies At Age 97
Sweden kicks off EU presidency in institutional fog
France's Sarkozy laments 'totally inhuman' job
Gizmodo, Engadget founder launches new gadget site
Oscar-winning actor Karl Malden dies at 97
June is deadliest month for Iraqis this year
Bomb kills Iraqi soldier and wounds 10 in Baghdad | International |
YouTube doubles video file size to 2G
Iran reformists show fresh defiance against regime
Iran hangs six for murder, two spared: report | International |
Jackson Neverland funeral ruled out as will surfaces
Fledgling website hopes to open journalism to all
North Korea seen readying missiles | International |
WTO cuts trade forecast, sees rising protectionism
Iraq: Key figures since the war began
Gannett cutting 1,400 jobs at local papers
China paper says Web filter only a matter of time | International |
Iraq death toll spikes as US troops leave cities
Barak links settlement freeze to regional peace drive | International |
Barak links settlement freeze to regional peace drive
Mexican police find 14 bodies in drug war grave | International |
$4 billion to be released soon for broadband
Sweden kicks off EU presidency in institutional fog
Microsoft posts modest search gains with Bing
Iraqi Cabinet approves BP's offer on Rumaila
Robots face off on football pitch, in kitchen at RoboCup 2009
Calif. Rep. Waxman hospitalized after fainting
Iraqi politicians of all stripes laud U.S. pullout
Declining Aboriginal conditions 'unacceptable': Rudd
NKorea likely to fire short-range missiles: report
Raising doubts over Hong Kong's feng shui 'masters'
China paper says Web filter only a matter of time | Technology |
North Korea seen readying missiles
MySpace, Web servers not liable for assaults: court | Technology |
US senators urge Vietnam to release dissident priest
Sirius XM CEO gets pay hike | Technology |
Inamoto hopes for another football World Cup chance
U.S. North Korea sanctions team to visit Malaysia
Obama to meet China's Hu at Group of Eight summit
Fledgling website hopes to open journalism to all | Technology |
Major military operation under way in Afghanistan
Utah bar crawl to mark end of liquor restrictions
Hussey century rallies Australia against Lions
Correction: Billy Mays obituary
Japan's Uehara out two months with elbow tendon tear
White House: Niger's actions worrisome
Reputed mob boss pleads guilty in Mass. bribe case
US Marines storm south in major Afghan offensive
Inouye's office inquired about bank's aid request
Pakistani c.bank to sell T-bills in 2-day repo
NZ commodity export prices rise in June
Two Koreas hold new talks on fate of joint project
Oscar winning actor Karl Malden dies at 97
CORRECTED
Jolie, Aniston are Hollywood top-earning actresses
New Zealand venture defers plan to import LNG
S.Korea Q3 retailer sentiment at 6-qtr high-survey
Planned S.Korea Q2 FDI increase highest in over a year
Taiwan dollar at 3-wk high on US, China data
S.Korea T-bonds mixed after strong rally
Air New Zealand staff bare all to get flyers' attention
Napoleon died of kidney failure: Danish doctor
Michael Jackson's will sets family trust, funeral sketchy | Entertainment |
Nigerians from diaspora heading home to work
David Carradine died of asphyxiation: pathologist | Entertainment |
David Carradine died of asphyxiation
Hipster factor poses challenges for movie marketers | Entertainment |
Transformers looks unstoppable at box office | Entertainment |
Oscar winning actor Karl Malden dies at 97
Neverland could rival Graceland as tour attraction
O'Neal leads mourners at Farrah Fawcett funeral | Entertainment |
Fans, news media flock to Jackson's Neverland
Kevin Jonas, of Jonas Brothers, engaged | Entertainment |
Plan to bury Michael Jackson at Neverland fizzles
Oscar winning actor Karl Malden dies at 97 | Entertainment |
Kevin Jonas, of Jonas Brothers, engaged
Anti-terrorist show Wanted to bow in July | Entertainment |
Wilco (the article): Chicago band revels in rock
Jolie, Aniston are Hollywood top-earning actresses | Entertainment |
Jolie, Aniston are Hollywood top-earning actresses
Neverland could rival Graceland as tour attraction | Entertainment |
US Marines storm south in major Afghan offensive
Italy rail inferno: death toll reaches 18
North Korea ups tension with short-range missiles | International |
Amnesty accuses Israel of using human shields in Gaza
ECB keeps key interest steady at record 1.0%
Israel rejects total settlement freeze
Deflation hovers over ECB meeting in Luxembourg
Doomed Air France plane was not destroyed in flight | International |
Somalia, Iraq most dangerous for minorities: NGO
Iran hardliners urge legal action against Mousavi | International |
India court overturns ban on gay sex | International |
Comoros crash survivor reunites with father | International |
Amnesty says Israel wantonly destroyed Gaza | International |
The Palestinian class of 2009, in their own words | International |
Khmer Rouge child survivor weeps for mother
Kiwi airline bares all for safety
Top Australia firefighter criticised over wildfires
Indian court rules gay sex legal
Taser, pepper spray used as Texas pastor arrested
Gamer steals from virtual world to pay real debts | Technology |
UN chief Ban warned over risky Myanmar visit
June jobless rate seen rising to 9.6 percent
US officials meet with China on NKorea sanctions
Staten Island Ferry boat's hard docking injures 15
China says Web censor plan to proceed: report
MySpace, Web servers not liable for assaults: court | Technology |
Jay Leno wins cybersquatting case | Technology |
Japan may deploy troops near disputed islands
Federal agents to join probe into Jackson's death
Web advertisers propose self-regulation principles | Technology |
Japan students rush for English-language education
Arms dealer gets 25 years in NYC terror case
UN's Ban to meet Suu Kyi party members: spokesman
Fame, fortune for Web tutors in education-crazy South Korea | Technology |
Intel-Nokia tie takes few years to succeed: Barrett | Technology |
Guantanamo detainee seeks `black sites' access
Cops zap pastor protesting traffic stop at church
Key Senate Democrats trim cost of health care bill
Taiwan dollar off 3-week high on c.bank moves
China may allow foreign firms to list: govt
Malaysian foreign investment plummets in 2009
China's violin industry aims high
Sri Lanka raises fuel prices by 11 percent
Seoul shares end flat on earnings caution; Hynix jumps
Indian court rules gay sex legal
China wants diversified global monetary system: govt
Lebanon's struggling fishermen angling for a catch
Christian Slater closes in on role in ABC series
"Transformers" looks unstoppable at box office
Celebrity birthdays for the week of July 5-11
Oscar-winning actor Karl Malden dead at 97
UK comedy actress Mollie Sugden dies at 86 | Entertainment |
Jolie, Aniston are Hollywood's top-earning actresses | Entertainment |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01