Thursday, August 27, 2015

The War In Afghanistan's Helmand Province Is Escalating



Reuters: Afghan forces, with NATO help, attack resurgent Taliban

Soldiers from the U.S.-led NATO coalition have joined an Afghan army campaign to try to stop a Taliban advance in Helmand province that has undermined hopes of a negotiated peace.

Nearly 14 years on from the U.S. invasion that toppled the Islamist regime after the Sept. 2001 attacks, the Taliban are making gains. On Wednesday the Helmand district of Musa Qala fell to the Taliban for the first time since 2007.

"The deputy defense minister is in Helmand right now and an operation is ongoing in full force to retake the district," said Dawlat Waziri, a defense ministry spokesman.

NATO's Resolute Support coalition said U.S. aircraft had dropped bombs on Musa Qala nine times in the past 24 hours, and that some foreign soldiers were helping on the ground.

More News On The Battle For Afghanistan's Helmand Province

US Strikes Southern Afghan District Seized by Taliban -- NYT/AP
Taliban recaptures Helmand town of Musa Qala -- The Guardian
Musu Qala falls to the Taliban: Afghan town that British soldiers died to protect is seized by insurgents making fresh advances after Allied forces went home -- Daily Mail
As towns in Helmand Province fall, Marines speak out -- Washington Post

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