New civilian death claims in Helmand sweep

People in Marja district in Helmand province, where a western and Afghan military operation aims to oust the Taleban, say several civilians have been killed in addition to the 12 acknowledged by the International Security Assistance Force, ISAF. They also say that the fighting has caused hunger because people cannot leave their homes to fetch food. The Helmand provincial governor, Mohammad Gulab Mangal, visited the area on the fifth day of the operation to see for himself. "People asked me to provide them with food … as the operation goes forward, many mines have been planted, so it takes time to clear them. However, we are working on a plan to send food to the people quickly," he told journalists. The people of Marja would soon be able to go about their regular business, he said.