US troops have taken up positions above the Baghran Valley in southern Afghanistan in efforts to cut off key transport routes of suspected Taliban militants.
The operation is part of a major anti-Taliban offensive that has already killed more than 90 militants over the past few days.
It’s the first time in several years that coalition soldiers have ventured into the valley, quickly setting up artillery and defences on a high ridge line overlooking passages below.
Captain Jared Wilson of the US Army says that serves as an advantage.
 "I would say the air assault was a very high success. At this point in time, it has been my observation that the enemy in this area is very surprised by our audacity and reacting in what I believe is a manner we intended them to react to."
More than 10-thousand US-led troops have spread out over four southern Afghan provinces as part of ‘Operation Mountain Thrust’, a counter-insurgency blitz aimed at quelling a Taliban resurgence.
It is the largest military offensive since the 2001 ouster of the former Taliban regime.
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Director: Liu Chi