Troops launch sweep against Taliban Amnesty offered in bid to avoid threat to spring Afghan elections

KABUL, Afghanistan -- About 18,000 American troops have started awinter offensive against Taliban rebels in Afghanistan, vowing toeliminate insurgents who could threaten parliamentary electionsslated for the spring.

The U.S. military said Saturday it hoped the new push, dubbedLightning Freedom, would persuade insurgents to accept an amnestyoffered by President Hamid Karzai that could stabilize the countryand allow foreign troops to pull back.

"It's designed basically to search out and destroy the remainingremnants of Taliban forces who traditionally we believe go to groundduring the winter months," spokesman Maj. Mark McCann said.

Rebel leaders …