">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
NATO: 3,000 US troops deploy near Afghan capital
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Search
Search:
NATO: 3,000 US troops deploy near Afghan capital
By FISNIK ABRASHI,Associated Press Writer AP - 2 hours 58 minutes ago
KABUL, Afghanistan - Thousands of U.S. troops originally destined for Iraq have deployed south of Afghanistan's capital in the first illustration of a new military focus on the increasingly difficult fight in the South Asian nation, NATO said Tuesday.
Nearly 3,000 American soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, New York, moved into the provinces of Logar and Wardak to the south of Kabul, the military alliance said. They will serve as part of the 55,000-strong NATO force in the country.
The latest deployment indicates the shifting focus in military operations from Iraq to Afghanistan, where the U.S. and its allies are trying to turn the tide of Taliban gains and prop up the government of embattled President Hamid Karzai.
President Barack Obama is expected to double the size of American troops in Afghanistan this year, as the country becomes one of his foreign policy priorities.
There are some 70,000 foreign soldiers, including 33,000 U.S. troops, in Afghanistan, the highest number since the Taliban were ousted from power in the 2001 U.S. invasion. The majority of the American troops, including the new brigade, fight under NATO command, which is headed by a U.S. four star general. The rest are part of 13,000-strong U.S. coalition.
Last year was the deadliest for foreign troops since the invasion, with 286 killed, up from 222 the previous year. NATO said two of its troops were killed Tuesday in the south.
The new brigade was originally slated to deploy to Iraq but was officially rerouted to Afghanistan in September, NATO said in a statement. It is not included in Obama's plan to send up to 30,000 more troops to the country.
Both provinces where the troops are deploying have become areas of near-daily insurgent activity and little government presence beyond provincial capitals and main roads, creating a sense of encirclement around the capital.
Vice President Joe Biden said Sunday that the world hasn't done enough to provide economic, political and military resources to Afghanistan and that the U.S. and its allies lack a coherent strategy. The result is a country backsliding into Taliban control, Biden said.
The focus of the brigade for the next year will be to help improve security in Wardak and Logar and help bring stronger government and better infrastructure to the local population, NATO said.
"Our first steps are to get forces out into these more populated areas and begin to interact with the people," Col. David B. Haight, the unit commander, said in the statement.
"Knowing the human terrain is as important as knowing the mountainous terrain surrounding our forward operating bases." Haight said.
Underscoring daily violence that afflicts the country, NATO said two of its troops were killed in southern Afghanistan, which is the center of the Taliban-led insurgency.
The military alliance did not provide the troops' nationalities or any other details on the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
In the same region, five Taliban fighters were killed in an overnight gunbattle with Afghan and international forces, said provincial police chief Assadullah Sherzad. There were no casualties among Afghan and foreign troops.
Southern Afghanistan is the center of the Taliban-led insurgency, which has spread over the last three years in many areas of the country. As part of their resurgence, militants have increasingly relied on roadside bombs in their campaign against Afghan and foreign forces.
A roadside bomb struck a police patrol and wounded two officers on Tuesday in southern Kandahar province. The bomb went off in the center of Kandahar city, the provincial capital, said provincial Police Chief Matiullah Khan Qateh.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Interior Ministry said three civilians were killed late Monday in eastern Nangarhar province when their minivan was hit by a remote-controlled bomb blast.
___
Associated Press writer Noor Khan in Kandahar contributed to this report from Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: Asia Pacific
Quarter of a million 'trapped in Sri Lanka bloodshed'AFP - 23 minutes ago
Thailand detains 78 more migrants caught at seaAP - 42 minutes ago
Thailand detains 78 more Myanmar boat people: policeAFP - 59 minutes ago
Four killed in Thai south: policeAFP - 1 hour 10 minutes ago
Russian foreign ministry delegation in NKorea: reportAFP - 1 hour 17 minutes ago
Most Popular – Asia Pacific
Viewed
Obama lobbies for $825 bln stimulus to thwart recession
Caterpillar to slash 20,000 jobs
Barclays bank shares sky-rocket after bailout fears fade
Child matador kills six bulls in Mexico
Obama begins teardown of Bush climate policy
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Other News on Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Iraqi prime minister expects faster US pullout
US-TECH Summary
World must double food production by 2050: FAO chief
EU takes Iran opposition group off terror list
U.S. wants direct talks with Iran on atom work: envoy
| International
|
U.S. claims victory in WTO complaint on China piracy
Germany OKs Atlantic global warming experiment
Displaced Iraqis to cast ballots far from home
Middle East peace envoy heads to region Monday
| International
|
YouTube allows users to delete comments
Farmers cut Greece into three as protests intensify
Clinton picks climate envoy, in another break with Bush
Borders shut and cars banned for Iraq vote
Gunmen fire outside U.S. embassy in Yemen
| International
|
Fresh warnings after storm kills 26 in southern Europe
Man pleads guilty in Iran parts case
Somali insurgents take Baidoa after Ethiopians leave
| International
|
Iran: Men vs. women soccer game draws punishment
Darfur rebels clash with Sudan army on two fronts
| International
|
Germany OKs Atlantic global warming experiment
Obama to world: we will lead on climate change
Clinton picks climate envoy, in another break with Bush
Fast action needed to avoid climate chaos: study
A look at other ongoing war crimes trials
China's Year of the Ox not so bullish
U.S. claims victory in WTO complaint on China piracy
| Technology
|
After long wait, Cambodia seeing start of justice
Mitchell sent to Mideast to bolster Gaza truce
Row Down Under: Australia Day or Invasion Day?
Beijing's population at nearly 17 mln in 2008: state media
EU backs Guantanamo closure but wary of accepting inmates
Congress Tackles Economic Stimulus, Treasury Secretary Nomination
UN says dozens of civilians killed as Tigers flee
Obama to world: we will lead on climate change
U.S. December Home Resales Jump While Prices Fall To 70-Year Low
Democrats Welcome White House Decision To Tighten Auto Emissions Standards
More Americans Visit Libraries To Hunt For Jobs
At Least 14 States Consider Gambling Expansion, OK To Plug Budget Deficit
Gregory Wasson Appointed New Walgreens CEO
Minnesota's Senate Recount Goes To Trial Monday
Jan 26 Highlights Of Low Points In The U.S. Economy
Democratic Senator Seeks Ending Senate Appointments By Governors
House Begins Consideration Of Obama's $825 Billion Stimulus As Republicans Signal Opposition
Michael Jackson's Thriller to become musical show
| Entertainment
|
Michael Jackson's Thriller to become musical show
| Entertainment
|
Franz Ferdinand's Tonight hits shelves
| Entertainment
|
`Slumdog' far from underdog with SAG win
Backstage comments by SAG Award winners
Michael Jackson's "Thriller" to become musical show
Snowmobile deaths on the rise in Canada
The boom in kids' online games; lots more 'Spore'
Dance company creates an online video competition
The horror! Neil Gaiman's spooky book wins Newbery
London's West End theaters defy downturn
'Bye Bye Birdie' set for its first B'way revival
Franz Ferdinand's "Tonight" hits shelves
Fast action needed to avoid climate chaos: study
The former Cat Stevens performs song for Gaza
Study Finds Many Women Got Unnecessary Mastectomies
Historical Evidence Links Denmark's King Christian IV To Murder Of Famed Astronomer Tycho
Library Visits In The U.S. Up
Obama Staffers Shocked By Lack Of Technology In White House
Injured US soldier says he was shocked in shower
Obama says Mideast peace envoy to engage "vigorously"
Shooting outside U.S. embassy in Yemen, 3 held
| International
|
German coalition at loggerheads over global warming test
Health info technology saves lives, costs: study
Netanyahu would let West Bank settlements expand
With Cheney gone, Google gains sky view of VP's home
Geithner pledges quick action as US Treasury Secretary
Darfur rebels clash with Sudan army on two fronts
NY Times, local publisher reach settlement in copyright case
Bahamas paramedic charged in Travolta extortion plot
IBM to cut more than 2,800 jobs: union
Australian pension system reels from market meltdown
| International
|
Texas Instruments cuts 3,400 jobs
'You've got no mail' -- tech glitch hits Obama White House
MySpace, YouTube 'citizen reporters' at World Economic Forum
Ashes of "Star Trek" creator and wife rocketing to deep space
Online encyclopedia Wikipedia may tighten editing rules
Report: Some climate damage already irreversible
Obama orders push to cleaner, more efficient cars
Senate passes bill to delay digital TV switch
| Technology
|
German coalition at loggerheads over global warming test
U.S. claims victory in WTO complaint on China piracy
| Technology
|
Health info technology saves lives, costs: study
| Technology
|
Mother, daughter missing in Philippine floods
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,236
Geithner wins OK for U.S. Treasury despite tax woes
Australian serial killer cuts off finger in jail
Hit Warne musical pitches up new audience to Australian theatre
CORRECTED-U.S. Marines force of 20,000 seen for Afghanistan
Japan to tourists: Please don't lick the tuna
Mitchell to 'engage vigorously' in Mideast peacemaking: Obama
UN: Civilians trapped in Sri Lanka war a crisis
Chavez: OPEC could cut output _ again
US envoy vows 'direct' nuclear diplomacy with Iran
Third Australian publisher deported from Fiji
Geithner Receives Senate Approval As Treasury Secretary
Australia backpacker killer cuts off finger
Jan 26 Highlights Of Low Points In U.S. Economy
Syria wants dialogue with US without preconditions
NKorea's Kim attends Lunar New Year concert: state media
American Express' Earnings Plummet Amid Declining Revenue
Wall Street Closes Higher On Better Housing Data
UN: Trapped civilians in Sri Lanka war a 'crisis'
Obama's Special Envoy Heads To The Middle East For Peace Talks
New Zealand cenbank governor to speak on Friday
Nokia's luxury brand Vertu to launch mobile services in Japan
WTO backs US in copyright dispute with China
Hollywood actors union ousts chief negotiator
| Entertainment
|
Finance crisis claims another 85,000 jobs
Bahamas medic charged in Travolta extortion plot
| Entertainment
|
McCartney, Radiohead to perform during Grammys
| Entertainment
|
Janet Jackson postpones shows in Japan
| Entertainment
|
Oasis, Kings of Leon lead NME music nominations
| Entertainment
|
McCartney, Vedder sign on for NYC benefit
| Entertainment
|
Buddy Holly not fading away, 50 years after death
| Entertainment
|
Star Trek creator and wife's ashes space-bound
| Entertainment
|
U.K. Study Links Active Sex Life While Young To Prostate Cancer
Hollywood actors union ousts chief negotiator
Bahamas paramedic charged in Travolta extortion plot
Hollywood actors union ousts chief negotiator
McCartney, Vedder sign on for NYC benefit
McCartney, Radiohead to perform during Grammys
Gene Roddenberry, wife to spend eternity in space
Music Review: The Bird & the Bee still buzz-worthy
Outspoken Owens to feature in reality TV show
Bahamas paramedic charged in Travolta extortion plot
Oasis, Kings of Leon lead NME music nominations
Weaver says 'Prayers' for Lifetime
"Star Trek" creator and wife's ashes space-bound
Pakistan should exploit US missile strikes, say analysts
65 hospitalised for toxic fumes at French church: officials
Apple wins patent for iPhone touch-screen controls
Zimbabwe opposition disappointed with summit
| International
|
Obama begins teardown of Bush climate policy
Top Brazilian prosecutor urges end to Battisti case
Caviar days are over for Davos crisis debate
Fears for civilians as Sri Lanka troops, Tigers fight
| International
|
More Rohingya land in Thailand, allege Burma abuse
| International
|
Israel soldier killed, 3 wounded in Gaza blast: TV
| International
|
Obama begins teardown of Bush climate policy
Obama calls on Iran to 'unclench' fist
Octuplets stun doctors at California hospital
China vows copyright cooperation after WTO case
Captives in Philippines say they are okay
Oil hovers above $46 as OPEC cuts, demand weighed
Fiji's leader defies democracy meeting
U.S. claims victory in WTO complaint on China piracy
| Technology
|
Australia police carpeted over "racist" video
Ice Storm Causes 5 Traffic Deaths, Power Outage In Oklahoma, Texas
Officials confirm talks on Japanese whaling deal
Rare Octuplets Born To California Mom
SKorea to deploy remote-controlled mines: official
Microsoft's Latest Internet Browser Out
Three killed in Thai south: police
Gunmen Arrested For Shooting Near U.S. Embassy In Yemen
Pacific leaders gather over action against Fiji military regime
Rice Sets 'Vigorous,' 'Direct' Diplomacy With Iran Over Nuke Program
Japan's Nomura posts 3.8 billion dollar loss in Q3
Nomura posts record 3Q loss amid global turmoil
Japan's Fujitsu scraps HDD head business
Nomura posts massive 3Q loss amid global turmoil
Tokyo stocks surge five percent
Japan to inject public funds into companies
Yamaha says it is to recall 53,814 bikes
SKorea sets aside 2.9 bln dlrs in emergency funds
Japan Golf Tour pulls out of Australian-led 'super series'
Honda cuts output by 50,000
'80s miniseries V being updated as series pilot
| Entertainment
|
Hollywood actors' union director steps down: report
Near-Final Version Of Internet Explorer 8 Out
'80s miniseries "V" being updated as series pilot
CORRECTED: Hollywood actors union ousts chief negotiator
London squatters live like lords in abandoned mansions
Citing crisis, Janet Jackson cancels Japan tour
Threats and tears fail to tame Afghan diva's dream
Hollywood actors' union director steps down: report
'80s miniseries "V" being updated as series pilot
Lil Wayne to perform single live for Facebook
Jury to visit Spector's home in 2nd murder trial
SAG board ousts embattled negotiator Doug Allen
Marvel sued for $750M in movie profits
California Mom Gives Birth To 6 Girls, 2 Boys
Gaza truce breached after Israeli soldier killed
Israeli soldier killed, Gaza truce breached
| International
|
Iranian rebels kill a dozen policemen: judiciary
German rail workers to stage warning strikes: unions
China vows copyright cooperation after WTO case
Deadly flare-up in Gaza
Iceland parties in coalition talks with president
| International
|
Asian chip makers to gain from Qimonda's troubles
Bahamian Paramedic Formally Charged Over Alleged Extortion Plot Against John Travolta
US vows 'direct' nuclear diplomacy with Iran
Belgian nursery killer suspect's detention confirmed
| International
|
Obama lobbies for stimulus as economy clouds darken
Religion or vote? Iraq Shi'ites wrestle with choice
U.N. rights boss decries abuses in Congo
| International
|
Global warming 'irreversible' for next 1000 years: study
Religion or vote? Iraq Shi'ites wrestle with choice
| International
|
California woman makes history with healthy octuplets
N.Ireland compensation scheme causes row
| International
|
Somali Islamists to rule by sharia law in Baidoa
| International
|
Global warming 'irreversible' for next 1000 years: study
Tajikistan rations power supplies to capital city
Woman to appear on SKorean banknote for 1st time
Blowfish poison scare returns to Japan
Fiji leader told to hold elections this year
Asian chip makers to gain from Qimonda's troubles
| Technology
|
Afghan police: 5 Taliban killed in gunbattle
Oil rises above $46 as OPEC cuts, demand weighed
Officials confirm talks on Japanese whaling deal
China vows copyright cooperation after WTO case
| Technology
|
Oil rises above $47 as OPEC cuts, demand weighed
S. Pacific leaders demand a vote in Fiji this year
Doubts over "Pakistan militants" foiled by India
Thailand detains 78 more Rohingya migrants
Bomb wounds 2 policemen in southern Afghanistan
Japan passes contentious stimulus budget
Japan to inject funds into firms, hand out cash
Kazakhstan to boost liquidity at major banks
India central bank lowers growth forecast, keeps rates steady
Woman to appear on SKorean banknote for 1st time
China 'regrets' WTO ruling but vows cooperation on IPR
SKorea allocates $2.87 bln as emergency funds
Cambodia cuts bank reserve requirements
Indonesia seeks access to Guantanamo terror suspect
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Hollywood actors union ousts chief negotiator
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Hollywood actors union ousts chief negotiator
Netrebko and Villazon disappoint in Met's "Lucia"
Photographer Sues David Beckham And Bodyguard For Assault
First batch of extra U.S. troops in east Afghanistan
| International
|
Outsourcing faces new era of scrutiny: Eric Auchard
Iran expecting 'concrete' change under Obama
UN fears Congo-Rwanda operation may spark abuses
| International
|
Gunmen burn ballot station before Iraq vote
UN chief warns more could go hungry in crisis year
| International
|
France asks Syria to help free Israeli soldier
| International
|
Russian Church meets to elect new leader
| International
|
Don't reinterpret WW2, Russia tells neighbors
| International
|
High-risk riches for Mexico's narco wives
| International
|
Rockefeller fund to help Asia endure hotter planet
Quarter of a million 'trapped in Sri Lanka bloodshed'
Thailand detains 78 more migrants caught at sea
Outsourcing faces new era of scrutiny: Eric Auchard
| Technology
|
Thailand detains 78 more Myanmar boat people: police
Iran expecting 'concrete' changes under Obama