Taliban IED Attacks Against US Troops Has Decreased But It Has Increased Against Afghan Forces

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Fewer IED Attacks On U.S. Troops But Still Deadly -- USA Today

The good news on the IED front in Afghanistan is that it's no longer a huge story.

Attacks from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) dropped 19% for the three-month period that ended on July 31. And U.S. troops continue to find and defuse bombs better than ever. Soldiers and Marines on foot patrol now find 85% of makeshift bombs compared with 80% last year.

The bad news? Roadside bombs remain the top threat to U.S. troops, causing 61% of all casualties. It's worse for Afghan security forces, who have seen attacks on them increase 74%. That compares with the same period in 2012. Stats come courtesy of the Joint IED Defeat Organization.

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My Comment: This is a problem that is unfortunately going to be with Afghanistan long after this conflict is finally over.