US troops in action against Taliban

US troops today began a third day of heavy fighting in Afghanistan in the largest ground offensive against al Qaeda and Taliban forces since the war began.

US strike aircraft, bombers and AC130 gunships are targeting enemy vehicles, mortars, troops and caves in the eastern Paktia province, where al Qaeda and Taliban forces are putting up a more fierce resistance than expected.

One American soldier and three Afghan fighters have been confirmed dead since the start of the 1,500-strong coalition ground attack on Saturday. Six US soldiers have been injured and airlifted out, a doctor at Gardez hospital said. Afghan troops today warned the operation is far from over. "You can't do everything in one operation," said Raza Khan, an Afghan fighter. "This is Afghanistan. This is a guerrilla war."

However, it is hoped that 2,000lb " thermobaric" bombs, which create a blast of air from a cave to suffocate those inside, had killed large numbers of the enemy.

As many as 4,000 al Qaeda and Taliban fighters are feared to have regrouped in eastern Afghanistan and just over the border in Pakistan, urging the faithful to wage holy war against US forces.