The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) initiated anti-militants operation in Afghanistan's volatile Helmand province on Sunday, a spokesman of the multinational force said.

"An operation was launched early this morning in Musa Qala district, which would continue to expand the security there," Toby Jackman told newsmen here at a press conference.

This is the first NATO operation in south Afghanistan since assuming the command from the US-led Coalition forces in the troubled region on July 31.

Coalition forces had launched a massive offensive, the Operation Mountain Thrust, against Taliban militants in Afghanistan's southern provinces of Helmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan and Zabul during the past one and half months.

More than 1,100 insurgents were killed, wounded or captured in the operation, which was concluded following the handover.

But the security is still tough in the south as some 80 people, including eight foreign soldiers, have been killed during the latest violence this week.

"ISAF will not be deterred. ISAF would continue its mission to bring security to Afghanistan within its area of operation," Major Jackman emphasized.

Musa Qala and Nawzad, Sangin and Garmser districts of Helmand, which are famous for poppy product and Taliban's activities, have been the scene of increasing security incidents as six British soldiers have been killed there over the past one month.

One day prior to the NATO's operation, dozens of suspected Taliban militants ambushed Afghan and NATO-led troops on Saturday in Garmser district, one of the two districts they briefly captured last month, leaving 17 insurgents killed and seven others injured after the heavy battle.

However, NATO, who has some 21,000 troops currently under its command, is optimistic about the ongoing operation.

"Initial reports from the operation are very positive and details will be available in the course," the British spokesman of the troops said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2006)