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KABUL, Afghanistan - U.S. and NATO commanders say they have blunted the Taliban?s threatened spring offensive, killing almost 40 commanders and 2,000 insurgents.

Last winter, Taliban leaders had promised a major offensive this spring. Among those making those promises was Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah, who waskilled this spring.

?There has been a spring offensive and I think it?s been NATO?s,? said U.S. Gen. Dan McNeill, the top NATO commander in Afghanistan.

The Taliban launched a suicide bombing campaign that NATO commanders say is a sign of desperation, and civilian deaths inflicted by NATO forces responding to Taliban attacks are on the rise, straining the five-year mission to pacify and rebuild Afghanistan.

But U.S. and NATO commanders say they quashed Taliban hopes of a spring blitz with offensive operations of their own, including an ongoing British-led effort in the southern province of Helmand.

The alliance had expected more bombings and suicide attacks, ?But as to ground maneuver, a combination of fire and maneuver, more classic operations, the offensive has been NATO?s,? he said.

Taliban attacks have increased, but NATO officials say they have been largely ineffective.

?If this is the spring offensive, things are going to be just fine,? said U.S. Col. Martin P. Schweitzer.

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