[Praxius]

Here is some further information on the Operation:

The ChronicleHerald.ca

Coalition forces are making some progress in the campaign to drive the Taliban out of northern Helmand province, a NATO official says. Canadian troops deployed to block insurgent supply routes say local inhabitants appear glad to see them there. British Royal Marine Commandos backed by NATO air strikes and Afghan artillery destroyed Taliban strongholds in the Garmsir area south of the provincial capital of Lashkargah, the alliance said Sunday. The Garmsir action has so far been one of only a few stand-up fights between Taliban and coalition forces since NATO’s Operation Achilles began last week. "They (the Taliban) are not facing up to the troops," said Squadron Leader Dave Marsh, spokesman for Regional Command South. "In other areas it is more guerrilla tactics. Take a quick few shots and get out of there. But where we go in and engage them, then that option of actually running away proves a little bit difficult."

Since the offensive began, the Canadians have been holding shuras — community meetings — with village elders to try to win the local people over. "We are generally getting the feeling that the population likes having us here," said Capt. David Nixon of the H company, 2 Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment. The Gagetown, N.B.-based force includes infantry, light armoured vehicles, 46-tonne Leopard 2 tanks, artillery and military engineers. "The elders as well as the children are out waving, greeting us in the villages. It is a good feeling," he said. "I think we are keeping the Taliban at bay."