Afghanistan War News Updates -- April 16, 2018

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Washington Post: Inside the Marines’ new mission in Afghanistan: Taking back territory previously won

BOST AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — In a dusty open-air building with houseflies buzzing, Marines here received a call for help. Afghan forces had been ambushed by Taliban fighters wielding machine guns and wanted an American airstrike so they could break free.

Within 20 minutes, an A-10 attack jet responded, killing the fighters with guided weapons and allowing Afghan forces to continue an April 1 offensive in Helmand province’s Nad-e Ali district, said Marine Capt. Jesse Gonzalez, an intelligence officer. It was a success in the Marines’ eyes: The strike occurred after Afghan forces provided enough information for the United States to carry out the airstrike, even though there were no U.S. troops on the ground.

But the operation shows how far expectations have been lowered after more than 16 years of war, with U.S. and Afghan forces seeking to recapture areas that were once under U.S. control.

“We want to get away from just, ‘We’re receiving fire at this position,’ ” said Maj. Wilson Moore, the senior Marine in an operational coordination center with the Afghans. “Well, where is the fire coming from? How heavy is the fire? What kind of weapons are they shooting at you with? . . . Help us out.”

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WNU Editor: Cannot say that I am surprised .... Taliban Turns Down Afghan President’s Offer to Take Part in Elections – Reports (Sputnik)

Afghanistan War News Updates -- April

16, 2018
Afghan mission releases district-level assessments -- Long War Journal
US: Joint Operations Continue to Decimate IS in N. Afghanistan -- VOA
US and Afghan forces kill 22 Islamic State fighters in northern Afghanistan raid -- Washington Examiner
26 security officers killed in attacks across Afghanistan -- Axios
Attacks in Afghanistan Leave Dozens Dead and 2 Schools Burned -- New York Times
At Least 11 Pro-Gov't Paramilitaries Killed by Taliban in Afghanistan – Reports -- Sputnik International
Fighting in Afghanistan's North Disrupts Kabul's Power Supply -- VOA
Taliban Destroy Pylon, Leaving Kabul In The Dark -- TOLO News
Civilian casualties in Afghanistan at near-record level this year, according to UN report -- Washington Post
Afghanistan Launches Voter Registration For Parliamentary Elections -- RFE
Afghan president invites Taliban to run in election as militant group gains ground -- RT
Taliban still enjoying safe havens in Pak: Pentagon -- India Tribune
A Sigh Of Relief From North Of The Afghan Border -- RFE
At least $154.4 million in fuel stolen in Afghanistan, watchdog says -- Stars and Stripes