Anti-Taleban operation launched

Nato and Afghan forces have launched an operation to drive Taleban insurgents from the outskirts of the southern city of Kandahar.

Troops backed by helicopter gunships are patrolling west of the Arghandab river, a Nato statement said.

There have been conflicting reports of casualties - but Nato said there had been "no major incidents so far".

Hundreds of people have fled their homes in Arghandab district fearing fighting between troops and militants.