Taliban launch counter operation against US Invaders

Afghanistan's fighters have launched a counter operation against thousands of U S invaders pushing into southern Helmand province to teach them "a lesson"

More than 4,000 American marines and 650 Afghan soldiers have only met isolated resistance since storming into the southern Helmand river valley five days ago.

The US Operation Khanjar, or 'sword strike', is the first big push of Barack Obama's surge strategy in Afghanistan and designed to turn the tide against the stubborn insurgency.

A statement said: "This is the first time coalition forces have had a sustained presence so far south in the Helmand River valley." After a rapid blitz involving the biggest American marine helicopter assault since Vietnam, troops have begun a 'hearts and minds' [=Baby-killing] drive trying to persuade the wary and independent population they and the central government can help them. More