The Battle For The Afghan Province Of Helmand Is Intensifying

New York Times

New York Times: Afghan Province, Teetering to the Taliban, Draws In Extra U.S. Forces

KABUL, Afghanistan — Alarmed that large stretches of Helmand Province are falling to the Taliban, American Special Operations forces have secretly taken a more central role in the fighting to save crucial areas of the province, as more air power and ground troops have been committed to the battle, according to Western and Afghan officials.

A Western diplomat said last week that United States Special Operations forces had been engaged in combat in Helmand for weeks, and that there were more American forces fighting there than at any time since President Obama last year announced a formal end to combat operations in Afghanistan.

The extent of the American role has been kept largely secret, with senior Afghan officials in the area saying they are under orders not to divulge the level of cooperation, especially by Special Operations forces on the ground. The secrecy reflects the Pentagon’s concern that the involvement may suggest that the American combat role, which was supposed to have ended in December 2014, is still far beyond the official “train, advise and assist” mission.

WNU Editor: What is disturbing about this fight is that it is now winter in Helmand .... and this is when the war usually tones down. The fact that it is now intensifying tells me that the war is now reaching a level where the Taliban feel confident that they can take this province .... and are now making that push.

More News On The Battle For The Afghan Province of Helmand

Afghan forces battle to hold off Taliban in Helmand district -- Reuters
US special forces secretly take more role in suppressing militants in Helmand -- Khaama Press
US Forces fighting Taliban to save parts of Helmand province -- Business Recorder/AFP
Afghan Forces Hold Out Against Taliban In District Of Helmand -- RFE/Reuters
Situation deteriorates in Helmand province -- IHS Janes 360
Taliban overruns district in southern Afghanistan -- Threat Matrix