A breakdown of military forces in NATO’s Afghan offensive

A breakdown of NATO forces in Afghan offensive

Overall, some 15,000 Afghan and coalition troops are involved in the operation to take control of the southern Afghan town of Marjah, a Taliban stronghold and key drug trafficking point, according to Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, commander of NATO in the south.

An estimated 7,500 troops are fighting in Marjah and the neighboring Nad Ali district:

- About 3,500 U.S. Marines

- 2,000 British troops

- About 1,500 Afghan Army troops

- 500 Strykers

- A few Canadian and French advisers to the Afghan military.

The remaining 7,500 troops are involved in support and logistics operations.

Source: U.S. Marine commanders