Operation Moshtarak

Pray for our Marines and the soldiers of our allies. 

Nato-led forces say they are making good progress hours after launching the biggest offensive in Afghanistan since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001.

There were clashes as more than 15,000 US, UK and Afghan troops swept into the Helmand districts of Marjah and Nad Ali in a bid to secure government control.

The Afghan regional commander said 20 militants had been killed. Two Nato soldiers are confirmed to have died.

A Taliban commander reportedly said his men were retreating to spare civilians.

Operation Moshtarak - which means “together” in the local Dari language - is being led by 4,000 US Marines, supported by 4,000 British troops, with Canadians, Danes and Estonians.