GARMSIR, Afghanistan (AFP) — Two British soldiers and two police officers were killed in southern Afghanistan as thousands of troops have moved into Taliban strongholds ahead of August polls, officials said on Sunday.

Afghan, US, British and Danish security forces are pushing into parts of Helmand, an opium-producing province where the militants have established a firm grip, in some of the largest operations since the Taliban’s 2001 ouster.

The forces have met with little resistance, although some 200 Marines have seen days of heavy fighting, commanders said, adding that many areas have been seeded with mines, a commonly used Taliban guerilla tactic.

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