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Kabul: Some 1,300 US-led coalition troops are engaged in a major operation against Taleban and al- Qaida fighters in Afghanistan, according to a US military spokesman.

Some 800 US soldiers backed by more than 500 Italian paratroops on July 8 launched "Operation Haven Denial" in Khost and Paktika provinces, 'Dawn' quoted Colonel Rodney Davis as telling reporters at Bagram Air Base 50 km North of Kabul.

The operation is believed to be the biggest launched by the US-led coalition since the massive Operation Anaconda offensive against Taleban and al-Qaida holdouts in the mountains of Paktia province in March 2002.

"Italian participation included more than 500 Italian soldiers from the 187th Parachutist Regiment, with specialised units in explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices, dangerous material control, special operations forces and medical teams," Davis said.

Italian "Task Force Nibbio conducted a ground assault convoy and established blocking positions in the Italian area of responsibility, to control the Afghanistan border in Khost province to prevent anti-coalition movement in Afghanistan," he said, referring to Taleban and al-Qaida fighters and extremists of former premier Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.

ANI