US, Afghans Launch Kunar Offensive

United States and Afghan forces have launched an airborne assault against Taliban fighters in Kunar province. Hundreds of soldiers were airlifted to the region with the idea of defeating organized pockets of Taliban control. In this region bordering Pakistan, the Taliban functions more as a pseudo-government than simply a terrorist group.

The offensive operation is the largest for the 3rd Brigade since its deployment to eastern Afghanistan in April. A brigade spokesman, Maj. David Eastburn, said it was at least "five to seven times larger than any previous operation conducted by the brigade."

So far the operation appears to be going well:

U.S. military commanders said they have so far killed close to 80 insurgents.

Brigade Intelligence Officer Maj. Chris Rankin said the militants were part of the Taliban and Pakistani insurgent groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban, known as the TTP, and the al-Qaeda-affiliated Lashkar-e-Taiba, which regularly cross the ill-defined border to wage attacks on American and Afghan troops.

"It's (Watahpur) an ideal insurgent safe haven," Rankin said.

The LeT launched the Mumbai attacks and could be considered (no turn of phrase meant) as al Qaeda 1.5-- ready to launch attacks in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Soon perhaps outside of South Asia.

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