The United States Army has launched a major military offensive against the Taliban in the Afghan province of Helmand, in the largest mobilization since Vietnam.

The offensive involves approximately 4,000 American troops, 650 Afghan troops and several NATO planes, helicopters and other support vehicles.

Southern Afghanistan, where Helmand is located, is widely considered as a Taliban stronghold.

The US Military discloses that the major objective of the operation is to improve security for the upcoming presidential elections on August 20. It also plans to promote the implementation of a voter registration system when peace has been established and secured.

The US has been a major player in NATO’s campaigns in Afghanistan, contributing approximately 28,850 soldiers as of June 2009. US President Barack Obama pledges to deploy some 21,000 more, most of which are to be redeployed from operations in Iraq.

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