It has been suggested by Afghan villagers that the Taliban may be preparing for a major offensive against NATO targets.

Oservers in the area around Helmand in southern Afghanistan said they had noticed Taliban militants preparing for a fight by stocking up on weapons and digging into the hills and flats.

NATO intelligence operatives have said the Taliban started preparations soon after US military officials announced that NATO forces were preparing a massive assault on the area around Marjah in Helmand province.

The fight for Marjah, which is controlled by the Taliban as their centre for opium trafficking, is expected to begin soon.

It will involve the 30,000 extra coalition forces sent in by President Barack Obama.

Hundreds of civilians have already fled the region around Marjah in hopes of getting away from the battle.