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Operation in Marjah 'jeopardizes peace plan'
When US-led forces launched a major attack on a small corner of south-west Afghanistan recently, the operation was accompanied by a blizzard of military activity and media attention not seen since the war began almost nine years ago.
Weeks later, the true impact on Marjah of Operation Moshtarak is starting to emerge. The hype may have faded away, but tens of thousands of civilians caught up in the fighting are now trying to piece their lives back together.
"People are still very worried. It's a very dangerous, troublesome and fearful situation," said Haji Walii Jan Sabiri, a local MP.
Marjah lies in the Nad Ali district of Helmand province. A rural area where many of the residents earn their living from growing the poppies used to make opium, it fell under Taliban control in 2008.
Then, earlier this year, NATO forces openly announced it would soon be the target of a major operation. In the end, about 15,000 troops led by US Marines were sent to clear the region and, in a hail of press conferences and media briefings, the mission was quickly portrayed as a success and potential turning point in the war.
The reality on the ground is less black and white. Sabiri described a situation in which civilians have been left hurt and intimidated by all sides involved in the fighting.