A look at the NATO offensive in southern Afghanistan
By APFriday, February 12, 2010
A look at the NATO offensive in Afghanistan
Facts and figures on the NATO-led attack on the southern Afghan town of Marjah:
WHAT’S HAPPENING: NATO forces are attacking the southern Afghan town of Marjah in a move to take control of a Taliban stronghold and key drug trafficking point.
WHAT’S AT STAKE: It’s the first major offensive since President Barack Obama announced last December that he was sending 30,000 reinforcements to Afghanistan to reverse Taliban gains.
THE TARGET: The farming community of Marjah is in a vast, irrigated swath of land in Helmand province 380 miles southwest of Kabul. About 80,000 people live in Marjah, making it the biggest community in southern Afghanistan under Taliban control. It is also a center of Taliban logistical and drug-smuggling networks.
WHO’S FIGHTING: Thousands of U.S., British and Afghan troops and a few Canadian advisers are taking part in the attack, with U.S. Marines playing the main role. Military officials estimate there are 400 to 1,000 insurgents in the Marjah area, including as many as 100 fighters from outside Afghanistan.
IN THE CROSSFIRE: Up to 125,000 people are believed living in the town and surrounding villages. Provincial officials say some 450 families — an estimated 2,700 people — fled Marjah in recent weeks.
DANGERS: The biggest threat is likely to be from land mines and roadside bombs buried by the Taliban throughout the town.
AFTER THE FIGHTING: NATO hopes to re-establish an Afghan government presence, bringing security, electricity, clean water and other public services. American commanders believe such services will undermine the appeal of the Taliban.
