US-led coalition forces in Afghanistan have begun a major operation the southwest of the country against al-Qaeda and Taliban remnants, a military spokesman said today.
Hundreds of troops have been deployed as part of "Operation Champion Strike" in the Bermel Valley in Paktika province close to the border with Pakistan, spokesman Lieut Col Roger King said.
A number of people had been "taken in for screening" as part of the ongoing operation, Lt Col King said.
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The operation is taking place south of the southeastern city of Khost where fresh fighting broke out earlier this week between supporters of a renegade warlord and forces of the local governor.
Warlord Mr Padsha Khan said his forces had surrounded Khost today after launching rocket attacks which officials said had left three civilians dead.
Mr Khan said he was intent on seizing control of the city from official governor Mr Hakeem Tanewal after his men had been forced out of the governor's office over the weekend during mediation talks with the US military.
Mr Khan, leader of the powerful Zadran tribe, has for months been trying to seize control of Khost and the neighbouring province of Paktia after tribal elders prevented him from taking power.
According to Lt Col King, US forces were monitoring the situation but keeping their distance. AFP