NATO says 3 US troops killed in Afghan battle

[undeterred]

Source: Associated Press

By JASON STRAZIUSO (AP) – 1 hour ago

KABUL — Militants in eastern Afghanistan attacked U.S. forces with gunfire Sunday after a roadside bomb hit their convoy. Three American troops died in the attack, officials said. July was the deadliest month for international troops since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion, but August has gotten off to a lethal start.

The three U.S. deaths Sunday bring to nine the number of NATO troops killed already this month, after six NATO troops died on Saturday. Six of the nine were American. Last month, 74 foreign troops were killed, including 43 Americans.

A record 62,000 U.S. troops are now in Afghanistan, more than double the number in the country a year ago. President Barack Obama has increased the U.S. focus on Afghanistan, even as the Pentagon begins pulling troops out of Iraq. Other NATO countries have some 39,000 troops in Afghanistan.

"We have a lot more troops in country. We have a lot more operations ongoing, and it increases our contact with the enemy, and that unfortunately results in an increase in casualties," said Lt. Cmdr. Christine Sidenstricker, a U.S. military spokeswoman.



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[saigon68]

1. "BRING EM ON" shouted the AWOL CHIMPANZEE

[timeforpeace]

3. Uh, nothing will change if we keep blaming someone who is not in the White House anymore, y'know?

[provis99]

4. so blame Obama, then.

[foginthemorn]

2. and SIX were killed yesterday. whow. just whow. I did not know.........

Best to their families and friends.

[bertman]

5. Every time I read one of these tragic news items I think of what would happen if a foreign

force invaded the U.S. of A., took over the government, and started telling the locals how to live their lives. There would be so many insurgents fighting the foreign forces that it would make Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan look like child's play.

We need to get the fuck out of Iraq and Afghanistan. Now.

"We have a lot more troops in country. We have a lot more operations ongoing, and it increases our contact with the enemy, and that unfortunately results in an increase in casualties," said Lt. Cmdr. Christine Sidenstricker, a U.S. military spokeswoman.

Just like Vietnam, Commander. Just like Vietnam, President Obama. Just like Vietnam, Secretary Gates. Just like Vietnam, Secretary Clinton. Just like Vietnam, U.S. Congress.