1 December 2001

Approximately 300 US soldiers were killed Thursday in a combined air and ground offensive in Kandahar province.

Iranian and Pakistani news sources have reported the casualties as well, though quoting the number killed as being around 200. The Taliban claim many US paratroopers were killed whilst still descending in their parachutes.

The remainder, combined with several hundred ground troops, launched an offensive on Taliban positions around Kandahar.

American troops are reported to be in low morale since they are not accustomed to the harsh Afghan climate and live under constant threat of mujahideen guerilla attacks and ambushes.

The heavy losses, which have not been verified and have therefore gone unreported in the western media, are believed to have prompted President Bush to announce last week that America must be prepared for many casualties.