KABUL, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan National Army (ANA) and U.S. Marines on Friday launched the ever-baggiest offensive after the announcement of a new strategy by the U.S. administration, a statement of the Defense Ministry issued here Saturday said.

    The operation is designed to extend the government's writ in Taliban hotbed Helmand province south of Afghanistan, the statement added.

    "Involving ANA personnel and international troops, the operation was launched from several directions on Friday morning in Nowzad district with the objective to ensure security, evict Taliban militants from their hideouts and extend government control," the statement noted.

    The operation would continue for four days to protect civilians from insurgents and clean up the areas, it added.

    "Three villages have been secured and four rebels were killed while two others sustained injuries," the statement said.

    Taliban militants fighting the Afghan government and international troops have yet to make comment.