Thousands of people have reportedly fled their homes in a southern Afghan district out of fear they may be caught up in NATO strikes against Taliban militants.

The mass exodus from Garmser, a remote district in Helmand province, comes as NATO-led troops hunt Taliban militants and their allies.

The operation began two weeks ago and is being led by US marines and the British military.

Coalition forces say Garmser is a rebel gateway into Afghanistan from neighbouring Pakistan, where extremist rebels are said to have bases.

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