U.S. And Afghan Forces Prepare To Launch A Military Offensive Against The Islamic State

An Afghan security force personnel stands guard in front of a damaged building a day after a suicide attack in Kabul, Afghanistan July 24, 2016. REUTERS/Mohammad Ismail

USA Today: Afghan offensive planned in aftermath of Kabul bombing

Afghanistan plans for a military offensive in coordination with U.S. troops against the Islamic State have become more urgent as the country marked a national day of mourning Sunday for 80 people killed and 231 injured in Kabul's worst attack in 15 years.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani recently announced a major assault in the Nangarhar province along the country’s eastern border with Pakistan.

The effort, nicknamed Shafaq, or “dawn” in Pashto, would be the largest since most international combat troops withdrew in 2014. President Obama issued a directive in June allowing the U.S. military to work with Afghan forces on non-combat missions.

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Update: After Obama's green light, Afghan forces on the offensive (AP)

WNU editor: This follows on the heels of yesterday's attack that killed over 80 in Kabul .... Afghanistan marks day of national mourning after huge attack (AP). People are understandably angry .... Anger, mourning in Afghanistan after Kabul suicide attack (Reuters), raising fears that a Sunni-Shiite conflict may now arise in Afghanistan .... Attack on Hazaras raises fears of Sunni-Shiite violence in Afghanistan (Washington post). More on Afghanistan's religious/sectarian divide .... Afghanistan's Hazaras: Targeted by militants, neglected by government (DW).