Afghanistan News Updates -- January 3, 2017

Afghan Army personnel destroying an IED. Al Jazeera Photo

Stars and Stripes: Taliban ramp up attacks in southwestern Afghanistan as NATO casualties hit a low

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban have continued their assault on Afghanistan’s southwestern Helmand province with fresh attacks in two key districts, Afghan security forces said, as NATO announced that its forces last year suffered the fewest casualties since the U.S. invasion in 2001.

The latest round of fighting began Dec. 31 in Sangin and Marjah districts, a provincial spokesman said. The Marine Corps suffered significant casualties while fighting to liberate both areas in 2009-11.

The fact that the Taliban are conducting operations in winter is at variance with their usual practice of retreating to western areas of Pakistan to regroup before returning in the spring, when the weather is more suitable for carrying out operations.

Read more ....

More News On

Afghanistan
Key Taliban commanders among 21 killed in Logar airstrikes -- Khaama Press
Afghan Security Forces Eliminate 26 Taliban Militants During Operation - Reports -- Sputnik
Senior Afghan army general injured in roadside bomb explosion -- Khaama Press
Afghanistan approves 4-year development plan of defense, security forces -- Khaama Press
Why US Airstrikes in Afghanistan May Now Be Riskier For Civilians -- Newsweek
The warrior women of Afghanistan: Tribals are now taking up arms against ISIS and Taliban -- International Business Times
Afghan Female Air Force Pilot Awaits Response to US Asylum Request -- VOA
Pakistan, Russia, China have no plan for Afghan peace negotiations: Russian envoy -- The Nation
Russia blocking removal of Hekmatyar’s name from UN sanctions list -- Khaama Press
Thousands of Shias protest against IS in Afghanistan -- AFP
Pakistanis can no longer enter Afghanistan without passports -- Times of India