The Afghan Taliban Are Stepping Up Their IED Campaign

U.S. Army soldiers inspect the scene after an IED blast during a road clearance patrol in Logar province, Afghanistan. Reuters

With Drawdown, Insurgents Launching Deadlier IED Attacks -- Army Times

WASHINGTON — The shrinking U.S. combat role in Afghanistan has given insurgents an opening to devise and carry out deadlier attacks using bigger improvised bombs against U.S. and coalition military vehicles and bases, American officials say.

With fewer U.S. forces patrolling road networks beyond their bases — and with the grounding of eye-in-the-sky surveillance balloons known as aerostats — Taliban fighters are adapting their tactics, according to officials at a Pentagon agency that tracks attacks that use improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.

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My Comment: Less patrols means more opportunities and time for the Taliban to plan and stage attacks. I do not only expect these attacks to escalate as the draw-down continues, but also full frontal attacks against FOBs.

Update: 3 Fort Stewart soldiers killed in Afghanistan blast -- Army Times