British troops launch anti-Taliban operation

British and Afghan troops yesterday launched a military operation to secure a transport route in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, one of the most volatile theatres of the nine-year war.

The operation began in Sayedebad town in Nad Ali, a district bordering Marjah, where US Marines in February launched one of the biggest operations of the nearly nine-year war. Britain's Defence Ministry said Operation Tor Shezada, or "black prince", would improve security in Marjah by securing a transportation route between the two areas that would "increase freedom of movement for locals".