Military operation in Afghanistan’s Helmand province
Afghan soldiers and U.S. Marines patrol Main Poshteh, Afghanistan. The Marines are part of an operation to take areas in Helmand that Taliban fighters are using as a resupply route and to help the local population prepare for the presidential election in August. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, wait for helicopter transport at Camp Dwyer in Helmand.
Dozens of aircraft ferried troops from various bases in what officers said was the biggest offensive airlift by the Marines since the Vietnam War. (Manpreet Romana / AFP/Getty Images)
An Afghan soldier searches a home in Main Poshteh after arriving with U.S. Marines. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
Marines listen to a pep talk before boarding helicopters. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
Marines get ready to board a helicopter. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
Marines wait for a helicopter. (Manpreet Romana / AFP/Getty Images)
