KABUL - The NATO mission, acknowledging its presence on the battlefield, has confirmed an uptick in fighting over the last month in Afghanistan, specifically in Helmand and Kunduz province.
“This is the heart of the fighting season,” a US general in Afghanistan told Pentagon press corps on Thursday. “We have absolutely been expecting that this is really when the Taliban were going to try and make their large push.”
On average, Brig. General Charles Cleveland said from Kabul, NATO probably had somebody out every night at some place in Afghanistan. The Afghan forces had achieved success in defending Kunduz City before moving into Helmand, he claimed.
“Helmand has always been the Taliban's main prime focus. It is where they invest the most energy,” the NATO spokesman said, adding the insurgents were trying to find a sanctuary in Helmand.
About 10 percent of all Afghan missions are advised by NATO, including the recent high-profile mission to stop an attack on the American University and the operation near Lashkargah.(Pajhwok)