Offensive to begin in June

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

NATO forces in June will make a long-planned assault on the Taliban’s spiritual home in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, a senior military official said Monday.

The goal is to rid the city of Taliban forces before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins in August, according to the official.

U.S. officials have previously disclosed plans for a NATO-led offensive in the area this year but have not said when it might happen. The two-month offensive will be a major test of President Barack Obama’s new strategy in Afghanistan and a bellwether of the war in general.

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.