Marines say 1 killed in new Afghanistan offensive

Thursday, Jul 2, 2009 11:05 PDT

The Marine Corps says one Marine has been killed in fighting in southern Afghanistan during a major offensive against the Taliban.

Capt. William Pelletier said the Marine died Thursday during the fighting along the Helmand River valley. The victim wasn't immediately identified.

Pelletier also said several others were injured or wounded but didn't have numbers.

The Marines said about 4,000 troops, many from Camp Lejeune, N.C., were involved in the offensive.

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