CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Meanwhile, British coalition forces have launched a new offensive aimed at stopping al Qaeda operations in southeastern Afghanistan. James Mates of ITN takes a closer look at Operation Buzzard.</s>JAMES MATES, ITN (voice-over): For three days, the men of 45 Commando have been deploying to southeastern Afghanistan, news of Operation Buzzard carefully controlled to prevent attacks before they got into position. Three-hundred men so far, more to follow if needed, lessons now learned from previous failures to find al Qaeda and Taliban forces. These men are no longer expecting a conventional battle, but something closer to guerrilla warfare.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The key point here is being unpredictable. Moving by vehicle, by helicopter and by foot, operating in an area sometimes overtly, sometimes covertly.</s>MATES: And all the time trying to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people, preparing the way for a massive input of humanitarian aid by the United Nations. This evening, their commander Brig. Roger Lane (ph) was broadcasting to the local population, his words being translated as he spoke.</s>BRIG. ROBERT LANE, 45 COMMANDER: We have no war against Islamic people. Right from the outset, as we begin this operation, we hope there is some understanding amongst the local people as to why we're there.</s>MATES: The main convoy, headed out under cover of darkness, upwards of 30 vehicles, deploying close to the border with Pakistan. Intelligence now strongly suggests that as many as 1,000 al Qaeda fighters are now operating across that border, desperate to mount a successful attack against coalition forces. There is no underestimating the danger the marines still face. (on camera): So this time, the tactics and the strategy will be different, and so too will the duration. These men are likely to be out in the mountains of Afghanistan for anything up to a month. James Mates, ITN NEWS, Eastern Afghanistan.
British Forces Continue Operation Buzzard