Afghanistan War News Updates -- October 26, 2016

Afghan soldiers are seen on a rural road during a foot patrol ©Roberto Schmidt (AFP/File)

Reuters: Taliban attack Afghan provincial center, cut highway

Taliban fighters on Wednesday cut the highway linking the Afghan capital to the southern city of Kandahar, following an attack on the main town of Wardak province to the west of Kabul, officials said.

The attack on Maidan Shahr, about 45 km (28 miles) from the capital, follows a series of assaults on provincial capitals in recent months as Taliban militants step up their insurgency aimed at toppling the Western-backed government in Kabul.

Fighting was continuing just outside the town, and the main highway was blocked, said Abdul Rahman Mangal, a spokesman for the provincial governor.

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Afghanistan War News Updates -- October 26, 2016

Taliban block major Afghan highway in expanding attacks -- Washington Post
Taliban cut off crucial Afghan highway -- The Times
Eight Afghan Border Policemen Killed in Taliban Attack in Torkham -- Pakistan Today
Eight Afghan Police Officers Killed Near Pakistani Border -- RFE
Angry Protests Erupt After 31 Civilians Killed In Afghanistan -- RFE
Ghani vows revenge as ISIS group massacre at least 30 Afghan civilians -- Khaama Press
The Taliban Is Killing Off Afghan Forces At A Rate Of 18 Per Day -- Daily Caller
Afghan intelligence foil attack on Indian consulate in Nangarhar -- Khaama Press
US carries out more air strikes in Afghanistan -- RTE
U.S. air strikes spike as Afghans struggle against Taliban, Islamic State -- Reuters
UN Blames Afghan War for Almost 2,600 Deaths This Year -- VOA
The US isn't getting out of Afghanistan anytime soon -- Josh Smith, Reuters