Allies NATO, U.S., Afghan Forces Battling Taliban In Afghanistan

Eikenberry's command inactivates Jan. 21, and most American forces in Afghanistan already report to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. Between 23,000 and 24,000 American servicemembers are in Afghanistan, the highest troop level the United States has had in the nation, Eikenberry said. "I don't anticipate any reduction," he added. Eikenberry said the Taliban would try to restrict the mobility of NATO forces and try to conduct attacks against district centers or outlying areas at night. These attacks will not be to hold the areas, just to cause disruption, he said. The Taliban also will try to pin NATO forces in place along the Afghan border with Pakistan. He classified that tactic as the enemy's supporting effort. "I think there will be areas in the east and the south where they will reassert some of the influence they gained last spring and summer," Eikenberry said. In spring and summer of 2006, Taliban fighters reasserted themselves in isolated communities in the country. However, U.S. and NATO forces pushed the Taliban fighters out in relatively short order. Still, the Taliban had a small psychological victory out of the offensive. http://www.blackanthem.com/News/Allies_20/NATO_U_S_Afghan_Forces_Battling_Taliban_in_Afghanistan3561.shtml

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