Operation Moshtarak -- Day 3

Afghan National Army soldiers and international military forces stand in a camp in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan, as a transport helicopter flies over during the third day of a joint operation. Massoud Hossaini, AFP/Getty Images

U.S., Afghan Troops Battle Snipers in Marjah Offensive -- Wall Street Journal

MARJAH, Afghanistan—U.S. Marines sent reinforcements to a beleaguered outpost where insurgent fighters were using women and children to carry weapons and shield their attacks on coalition forces.

Meanwhile, coalition forces confirmed at least 15 civilian deaths since the operation began.

In the three-day-old battle for control of this key southern town—the biggest coalition offensive since the Taliban government fell in 2001—insurgents appear to be making their fiercest stand at the central Koru Chareh bazaar and a dense residential area the Marines dubbed the Pork Chop for its shape.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

Hidden enemy delays advance in Marjah -- Times Online
Coalition continues to advance in Afghanistan as civilian death toll reaches 20 -- The Guardian
Taliban forced to retreat as battle for Marjah intensifies -- The Independent
Taliban allow US troops very little advancement in Marjah -- Daily Times
IEDs a threat now and long into the future for fight against Taleban -- Times Online
Afghan offensive meets resistance -- Al Jazeera
Snipers harass US, Afghan troops moving in Marjah -- AP
Troops: Strict war rules slow Afghan offensive -- AP
Afghan Offensive Proceeds, in Battle and Broadcasts -- Wall Street Journal
Taliban reportedly held civilian hostages when U.S. rockets hit -- Miami Herald
US Marines under fire from Taliban ‘Aks’ -- Daily Times
Out of Marjah, safe in Pak? -- Times Of India
Afghan public are 'confused' about operation says MP -- BBC
Obama monitoring Afghan surge -- USA Today

Another hyped-up push in Afghanistan -- Simon Tisdall, The Guardian
Marines Into Marjah -- Wall Street Journal opinion
Britain needs an Afghan exit strategy -- Philip Stephens, Financial Times