At least one alleged government sympathizer has been beheaded. There are rumors that others have been killed. Marjah residents awake to letters posted on their doors warning against helping the troops.

Winning public support in the former Taliban stronghold in Helmand province, 360 miles (580 kilometers) southwest of Kabul, is considered essential to preventing insurgents from returning. US, Afghan and NATO troops captured the town in a three-week assault that began on Feb. 13.

The Marjah operation will serve as a model for campaigns elsewhere, including one expected by summer to secure villages around Kandahar, the Taliban's spiritual birthplace and the largest city in the south.

AP