Afghan commandos assigned to 1st Special Operations Kandak clear a training compound during breaching training in Laghman province, Afghanistan, Feb. 13, 2018. (U.S. Army photo/Connor Mendez)
Long War Journal: Afghan special forces hit hard in deadly Taliban ambush
The Taliban killed at least 10 Afghan commandos and several other security personnel during an ambush in Farah province last night. Security in Farah has been slipping over the past two years as the Taliban has focused efforts in the western province.
Taliban fighters ambushed the special forces unit that was partnered with local security forces that prepared to launch a raid in the Bala Buluk district of Farah, provincial officials told TOLONews. The number of casualties suffered by the combined Afghan force varies in Afghan press reports. However, officials from the Afghan Special Forces Unit confirmed that ten of its commandos were killed. Eight policemen were also killed and at least three more were captured by the Taliban during the fighting.
Afghan Special Forces Unit officials blamed the high number of casualties on a lack of air support and the failure of the Afghan military and police to provide reinforcements as the Taliban launched their attack, ATN News reported.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: As the war continues to grind on, the U.S. is increasing its presence .... Amid little scrutiny, US military ramps up in Afghanistan (AP).
Update: How can you effectively fight a war when your own numbers do not add up .... Numbers on US Counterterrorism Efforts in Afghanistan Don't Add Up (Military.com/Stars and Stripes).
