[Praxius]

Canadian, British troops launch Taliban offensive

Canadian, British troops launch Taliban offensive

CTV.ca | NATO mounts major offensive against Taliban

The long-awaited spring offensive in southern Afghanistan has begun — launched not by the Taliban but by NATO forces. On Tuesday morning, coalition soldiers led by Britain and supported by Canada kicked off Operation Achilles to target Taliban fighters, foreign terrorists and drug traffickers in Helmand province, to the west of Kandahar province. Troops began moving into position today and by the time the operation is up to full strength, 4,500 coalition soldiers as well as 1,000 Afghan troops will be involved — making this the largest multi-national operation launched to date in Afghanistan. Even though Canadians are taking part, Operation Achilles is not a major exercise for Canadian forces.

SURPRISE!!!!

The Taliban have been going on about a spring offensive all winter..... did they actually think we'd wait for it?

"NATO forces are moving in, the Canadians are established where they are now and heavy fighting is already reported up in Helmand province," CTV's Tom Clark reported from Kandahar on Tuesday morning.

"To the people of northern Helmand who are fed up with being trapped by Taliban extremists, foreign terrorists and established drug lords, my message is clear. This operation is for you.''