ZHARI DISTRICT, Afghanistan - The Canadian Forces have completed a massive offensive aimed at securing the main highway that runs through Kandahar province.
It's the same highway where three Canadian combat engineers were killed Wednesday after their vehicle rolled over an improvised explosive device.
The large mechanized operation sought to disrupt insurgent activity in an area of Zhari district where Canadian soldiers have not been present en masse since Operation Medusa in 2006.
The Canadian military does not release figures of casualties inflicted on its opponents, but unconfirmed reports suggest more than 40 insurgents were killed, including several commanders, in a series of skirmishes.
One person was detained during the operation that ended today.
Canadian soldiers also discovered a variety of bomb-making materials and weapons.
The last major offensive for this rotation of Canadian soldiers, the operation is meant to improve security for the next batch of soldiers coming into Afghanistan.
With the onset of Ramadan next month, the troops are hoping that the pace of fighting will slow down.
