The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) launched an anti-Taliban operation in southern part of the country, sources said on Thursday.

"The goal of this cooperative operation is to enhance the security for the Afghan citizens of one district in Helmand province," they added. It did not specify the theatre of the operation and the number of soldiers involved, but said the operation was launched on Monday.

Dubbed "Be Free", the operation would cover Garmsir district which Taliban militants have been using as safe haven to target Afghan government.

More than 7,000 British troops within the framework of ISAF have been stationed in Helmand province to stabilize security in this militancy-hit and poppy growing region.

At least 2,300 US Marine units are also deployed in the region.

The Afghan government with the support of international troops recaptured the Musa Qala district from Taliban last February.

The new operation indicates that the government is determined to enhance security in the far-flung southern region.

More than 60,000 NATO-led security forces and the US-led coalition forces have been serving in Afghanistan to boost security in the post-Taliban nation.