American X
02-13-2010, 11:31 AM
U.S. Starts Afghan Surge (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703382904575059921198076854.html?m od=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLTopStories)
Invasion of Taliban Territory Puts Obama Strategy to Test; Aid Dollars to Follow
MARJAH, Afghanistan—U.S. and Afghan troops invaded this Taliban-held town early Saturday, launching the main thrust of the largest coalition offensive since 2001, a test of whether America's surge strategy can rescue the faltering war effort.
British, Afghan and U.S. troops were poised to begin an even larger thrust to take over one of the last Taliban-controlled bastions in the volatile Helmand River Valley. The offensive in Marjah began with small teams dropping into the town around midnight to kill or capture insurgent leaders. More infantrymen began landing in waves around 2 a.m. and consolidated positions close to the center of the town. The immediate resistance to the landings was very light, although helicopter pilots reported gunfire from the ground.
"The people of Marjah will wake up to a new [Afghan government] tomorrow," said Lt. Col. Calvin Worth, commander of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, the main assault force.
http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-FM760_0211sh_F_20100211113851.jpg
The Long War continues. Keep our troops and Commander In Chief in your thoughts and prayers.
Invasion of Taliban Territory Puts Obama Strategy to Test; Aid Dollars to Follow
MARJAH, Afghanistan—U.S. and Afghan troops invaded this Taliban-held town early Saturday, launching the main thrust of the largest coalition offensive since 2001, a test of whether America's surge strategy can rescue the faltering war effort.
British, Afghan and U.S. troops were poised to begin an even larger thrust to take over one of the last Taliban-controlled bastions in the volatile Helmand River Valley. The offensive in Marjah began with small teams dropping into the town around midnight to kill or capture insurgent leaders. More infantrymen began landing in waves around 2 a.m. and consolidated positions close to the center of the town. The immediate resistance to the landings was very light, although helicopter pilots reported gunfire from the ground.
"The people of Marjah will wake up to a new [Afghan government] tomorrow," said Lt. Col. Calvin Worth, commander of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, the main assault force.
http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-FM760_0211sh_F_20100211113851.jpg
The Long War continues. Keep our troops and Commander In Chief in your thoughts and prayers.