The US military in Afghanistan has announced a new operation to protect the forthcoming presidential elections planned for 9 October. Lt Gen David Barno, commander of US-led forces here, told the Associated Press the operation would focus on helping the UN, which is organising the polls. The coalition troops would help provide the necessary security, he said. But with the 20,000-strong coalition due to reduce in size, international forces could be stretched. As with all US military operations, the latest comes with a muscular sounding codename. This one is called \"Lightning Resolve\". The US commander said it was already getting going. Little detail has been given other than US troops will work more closely with United Nations\' election staff to keep them safe from attack. But the announcement appears to be acknowledgement that holding an election remains very risky in the current security climate. And that is not the only challenge. Not a day goes by now without an attack somewhere in Afghanistan. At least 11 people have died in violence since Sunday. This new operation comes as the total strength of the US-led coalition is dropping - with the withdrawal of a 2,000-strong marine unit from Taleban strongholds in the south. It is not clear if it will be replaced. Nato countries have promised some 3,000 extra troops to boost its peacekeeping force here. But they have yet to arrive. Speaking to the BBC, General Rick Hillier, the peacekeeping commander, said he still did not have a date, less than three months before polling day. (BBC)