Offensive launched against Taliban

Afghan military officials say an operation has been launched to root out any Taliban who have reportedly infiltrated villages outside of southern Afghanistan’s largest city.

NATO spokesman Mark Laity said Afghan and Canadian troops have moved into the Arghandab region just outside of Kandahar city.

Laity reports that there have been some “minor contacts” with militants early today.

Police officer Sardar Mohammad, who is in Arghandab, said troops have traded gunfire with militants.

Afghan Defence Ministry spokesman General Mohammad Zahir Azimi said the Afghan military “has enough troops to carry out the operation”.