Wednesday, June 10, 2009

US sending 1,000 commandos to Afghanistan




WASHINGTON: The Pentagon is sending additional 1,000 special operations forces and support staff to Afghanistan and changing the way commandoes fight the Taliban, Fox News reported on Saturday.

While much of the public focus has been on the 24,000 additional American troops moving into the country this year, United States Special Operations Command is quietly increasing its covert warriors in what could be a pivotal role.

Lt Gen Stanley McChrystal, a special operations officer who led successful manhunts in Iraq for Al Qaeda terrorists, is about to take command in Afghanistan.

McChrystal is expected to put more emphasis on using commandos in counter-insurgency operations and on killing key Taliban leaders.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\06\07\story_7-6-2009_pg7_7