Battle in the poppy fields

The biggest conflict in Afghanistan since the 2001 invasion is under way as the allies attempt to catch the Taliban off guard.

The offensive called Operation Moshtarak is homing in on over 1000 of the Taliban thought to be holed up in the town of Marjah in Helmand Province.

1,200 British troops were believed involved in the offensive and a further 3000 were available according to MOD sources.A total of 15,000 allied troops are said to be involved included 2,000 of the Afghan army

According to AP

Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, NATO commander of forces in southern Afghanistan, said Afghan and coalition troops, aided by 60 helicopters, made a "successful insertion" into Marjah in southern Helmand province. He said the operation was going "without a hitch."

Although Taliban spokesman says the Afghan insurgents are still in control of the town.

The objective of Operation Moshtarak, is to secure the region from narcoterrorism and establish basic services under supervision of the Afghan government.In order to do that, the allies will needto defeat the remaining insurgents and drastically reduce the number of heroin-producing crops that fund the Taliban.