The offensive is being carried out jointly with Afghan and Australian forces. Around 800 troops are participating in the operation, which is named Tura Ghar, or Sabre Mountain, according to a statement from the ministry.

Several platoons have entered the area since Saturday, supported by fighter aircraft, helicopter gunships and supply helicopters. According to first reports, the troops have met with "limited resistance". One Australian and two Dutch vehicles struck roadside bombs, but there were no casualties. In a separate incident, seven Afghan soldiers were wounded.

The Baluchi Valley, which lies around 20 kilometres north of Tarin Kowt, is a Taliban stronghold. The defence ministry says the objective is to bring the area under ISAF and Afghan government control.