2 NATO Soldiers Killed, As Coalition And Afghan Forces Continue Offensive

MARJAH, Afghanistan – NATO troops are pressing on with their offensive against a Taliban-controlled town in southern Afghanistan, battling sniper fire, booby-traps and a sandstorm.

A U.S. Marine spokesman says troops are meeting “light to moderate” resistance as they move into Marjah. He says in some areas “the enemy has chosen to stand and fight.”

Meanwhile, the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan is suspending the use of a U.S. rocket system after two rockets aimed at militants missed their target and hit a house instead, killing 12 civilians.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal has apologized to Afghan President Hamid Karzai for the incident.

Karzai has ordered an investigation into who fired the rocket.

Before the assault on Marjah began yesterday, he pleaded with Afghan and foreign military leaders to be extra careful to avoid civilian casualties.

Allied officials have reported two coalition deaths so far in the offensive — one American and one Briton. Afghan officials say at least 27 insurgents have been killed.

In unrelated incidents in southern Afghanistan, NATO is reporting the deaths of two other service members.