U.S. Marines Launch Major Offensive Into Marja, Afghanistan - In Pictures

An American, British and Afghan force swept into the city of Marja, Afghanistan, in the largest offensive operation since the initial allied invasion of the country in 2001.

Seen here are members of Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines gearing up at Camp Leatherneck as they prepare to conduct an assault into Marja, a Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan's Helmand Province on Saturday(13 February 2010).(NYT Photo)




A force of 6,000, composed of U.S. Marines, as well as British and Afghan troops, are now involved in the campaign that General Stanley A. McChrystal has been talking about for the past few weeks. The objective is to take control of the city of Marja and the surrounding area in southern Afghanistan's Helmund province. Marja normally has a population of about 80,000 but, due to the advance notice provided by our military, many have left for a neighboring city about 26 miles away.

Marja sits in a fertile poppy growing area that, according to CNN, accounts for much of the world's opium supply. The proceeds from this illicit business have provided the Taliban with much of its funding.