NATO's civilian representative says thousands of Afghan troops and US Marines are set to launch a massive assault on a densely-populated district.
Civilians have been warned to stay indoors amidst what what could one the biggest offensives in eight years of conflict.
Afghan villagers were warned to stay inside during a major offensive that will commence later this week.
US-led NATO forces are planning one of the eight-year-old war's biggest offensives. The operation will try to seize Marjah, a warren of desert canals and opium fields that is now the last large Taliban stronghold in Helmand, Afghanistan's most violent province.
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British soldiers take cover as a helicopter lands at Musa Qala in Helmand province in this March 29, 2009 file photo. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani/Files |