The first major military offensive of Barack Obama's presidency was launched today, with American troops sweeping in to South Afghanistan's Helmand province.

This offensive is directed at the Taliban. 

"Operation Khanjar" (Strike of the Sword) is meant to sieze control of the whole of the lower Helmand River valley, which is the heart of the Taliban insurgency and the biggest heroin producing region in the world. 

The 4000 Marines and 650 Afghan troops involved with the mission will be supported by NATO planes. 

A spokesman from the Taliban has said that they will resist in various ways, and the US cannot expect a permanent long term victory.

He said "I consider it a part of a psychological war, but if 4,000 US troops really are taking part in the operation, they will not have any permanent victory". 

The US military commanders are confident they will make "significant" gains this summer. 

They aim to seize the whole of the southern Helmand River valley from Taleban control before the already postponed Presidential elections on August 20th.

Marines had to race through the barren desert region known as the "Desert of Death", with temperatures reaching 50 degrees.