WorldExplosions and gunfire echoed through Kabul after near simultaneous Taliban suicide assaults on two security compounds Wednesday, as the insurgents ramp up attacks even before the start of their annual spring offensive. The Taliban claimed both assaults, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid calling them “martyrdom attacks” in a Twitter message. Afghan police and troops are battling a resurgent Taliban as the insurgents escalate nationwide attacks, even in winter months when the fighting usually wanes. Such attacks -- when Afghan soldiers and police turn their guns on their colleagues or on international troops -- have sapped morale and caused deep mistrust within security ranks. The Marines will assist a NATO-led mission to train Afghan forces, in the latest sign that foreign forces are increasingly being drawn back into the worsening conflict.

Source: Sunday Times March 01, 2017 14:15 UTC