Afghanistan on Yahoo! News Photos

In this Thursday July 2, 2009 photo a British soldier with the ...

(AP) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:05:36 GMT

(AP) - In this Thursday July 2, 2009 photo a British soldier with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) shakes hand with an Afghan boy during a patrol in the Nad Alid district of Helmand province, south of Kabul, Afghanistan. Around 8,500 Britain soldiers, part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, are serving in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Abdul Khaleq)

In this Thursday July 2, 2009 photo British soldiers with the ...

(AP) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:02:53 GMT

(AP) - In this Thursday July 2, 2009 photo British soldiers with the International Security Assistance Force patrol in the Nad Alid district of Helmand province, south of Kabul, Afghanistan. Around 8,500 Britain soldiers, part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, are serving in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Abdul Khaleq)

A US Marine on patrol in Garmser district in Afghanistan's ...

(AFP) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:52:09 GMT

(AFP) - A US Marine on patrol in Garmser district in Afghanistan's Helmand province, on July 3. Two US soldiers were killed in an explosion in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, according to the US military, as Afghan authorities reported that 32 rebels died in an ensuing US helicopter attack.(AFP/Manpreet Romana)

2nd US Marine Expeditionary Brigade Commanding Officer and Brigadier ...

(AFP) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:54:26 GMT

(AFP) - 2nd US Marine Expeditionary Brigade Commanding Officer and Brigadier General Larry Nicholson speaks with local residents during patrols in Garmsir district in Afghanistan's Helmand province.(AFP/Manpreet Romana)

2nd US Marine Expeditionary Brigade Commanding Officer and Brigadier ...

(AFP) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:54:26 GMT

(AFP) - 2nd US Marine Expeditionary Brigade Commanding Officer and Brigadier General Larry Nicholson greets a local resident during patrols in Garmsir district in Afghanistan's Helmand province.(AFP/Manpreet Romana)

2nd US Marine Expeditionary Brigade Commanding Officer and Brigadier ...

(AFP) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:54:26 GMT

(AFP) - 2nd US Marine Expeditionary Brigade Commanding Officer and Brigadier General Larry Nicholson shakes hands with an Afghan child during patrols in Garmsir district in Afghanistan's Helmand province.(AFP/Manpreet Romana)

Brigadier General Larry Nicholson demonstrated the more open ...

(AFP) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:54:26 GMT

(AFP) - Brigadier General Larry Nicholson demonstrated the more open approach he wants to see among the new US troops sent to southern Afghanistan by going shopping for melons. Nicholson, commander of the 4,000 Marines deployed on Thursday in the mainly Taliban-held Helmand River valley, headed to Garmsir district centre to visit a bazaar selling fruit, vegetables and meat.(AFP/Manpreet Romana)

A U.S. Marine from the 2nd MEB, 1st Battalion 5th Marines watch ...

(AP) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:44:19 GMT

(AP) - A U.S. Marine from the 2nd MEB, 1st Battalion 5th Marines watch as Afghani residents of a village in the Nawa district in Afghanistan's Helmand province lead their cows across the main road Friday July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

Canadian soldiers with the NATO-led International Security Assistance ...

(AFP/File) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:36:31 GMT

(AFP/File) - Canadian soldiers with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) stand guard during a patrol in Panjwayi district, some 30 kms to the west of Kandahar province, in March 2008. A Canadian soldier travelling in the same convoy as the commander of Canadian forces in Afghanistan was killed in an improvised explosive device attack, the Canadian military said Friday.(AFP/File/Shah Marai)

An undated handout photo shows Canadian Corporal Nicholas Bulger ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:30:07 GMT

(Reuters) - An undated handout photo shows Canadian Corporal Nicholas Bulger who was killed in Afghanistan on July 3, 2009. One Canadian soldier was killed and five injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near their armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Zhari District, the Canadian government said. REUTERS/Department of National Defence/Handout (CANADA MILITARY POLITICS OBITUARY) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS

Map locates Helmand province, Afghanistan, where a U.S. offensive ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:14:22 GMT

(AP) - Map locates Helmand province, Afghanistan, where a U.S. offensive is underway

U.S. soldiers of Mortar Platoon from the 4-25FA Battalion, 3 ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:18:02 GMT

(Reuters) - U.S. soldiers of Mortar Platoon from the 4-25FA Battalion, 3 Brigade, 10th Mountain Division fire shells for targeting as they prepare for possible attacks ahead of the United States Independence Day at the Combat Operation Outpost (COP) Conlon in mountains of Wardak Province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2009. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov

U.S. soldiers of Mortar Platoon from the 4-25FA Battalion, 3 ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:14:02 GMT

Interactive graphic on Afghanistan where 4,000 US Marines poured ...

(AFP iactiv) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:29:12 GMT

(AFP iactiv) - Interactive graphic on Afghanistan where 4,000 US Marines poured into the Taliban heartlands in Helmand Province.(AFP iactiv)

US Marines from the 2nd Battalion make preparations ahead of ...

(AFP/File) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:29:12 GMT

(AFP/File) - US Marines from the 2nd Battalion make preparations ahead of Operation Khanjar at Camp Dwyer in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on July 2, 2009. US Marines are in a "hell of a fight" as they storm into Taliban strongholds in a major assault in Afghanistan, according to their commanding officer.(AFP/File/Manpreet Romana)

Map showing Khanishin, Garmsir and Nawa in Afghanistan's ...

(AFP Graphic) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:29:12 GMT

(AFP Graphic) - Map showing Khanishin, Garmsir and Nawa in Afghanistan's Helmand province where US Marines are pressing ahead with an air and ground assault on Taliban strongholds.(AFP Graphic)

US Marines from 2nd Battalion wait to board helicopters from ...

(AFP/File) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:29:12 GMT

(AFP/File) - US Marines from 2nd Battalion wait to board helicopters from Camp Dwyer as they leave to take part in Operation Khanjar on July 2, 2009. US Marines are in a "hell of a fight" as they storm into Taliban strongholds in a major assault in Afghanistan, according to their commanding officer.(AFP/File/Manpreet Romana)

US Marines wait for helicopter transport as part of Operation ...

(AFP/File) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:29:12 GMT

(AFP/File) - US Marines wait for helicopter transport as part of Operation Khanjar in Afghanistan's Helmand Province on July 2, 2009. US Marines are in a "hell of a fight" as they storm into Taliban strongholds in a major assault in Afghanistan, according to their commanding officer.(AFP/File/Manpreet Romana)

Pakistani local tribal people visit houses hit by alleged security ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:12:38 GMT

(AP) - Pakistani local tribal people visit houses hit by alleged security forces in Datta Kheil, North Waziristan along the Afghanistan border on Friday, July 3, 2009. Strikes on suspected militant hide-outs, killed at least four insurgents and wounding seven others, intelligence officials said. (AP Photo)

Pakistani local tribal people visit houses hit by alleged security ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:12:10 GMT

Supporters of Pakistani religious party Jamat-i-Islami rally ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:06:54 GMT

(AP) - Supporters of Pakistani religious party Jamat-i-Islami rally against reported U. S. drone strikes in Pakistani tribal areas along the Afghanistan border, in Lahore, Pakistan on Friday, July 3, 2009. U.S. missiles struck a training facility operated by Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud and a militant communication center Friday, killing 17 people and wounding 27 others, intelligence officials said. The two attacks by drone aircraft took place in South Waziristan, a Mehsud stronghold close to the Afghan border where Pakistani troops are gearing up for a military offensive, two officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. AP Photo/K.M.Chaudary)

Supporters of Pakistani religious party Jamat-i-Islami rally ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:06:19 GMT

(AP) - Supporters of Pakistani religious party Jamat-i-Islami rally against alleged U. S. drone strikes in Pakistani tribal areas along the Afghanistan border, in Lahore, Pakistan on Friday, July 3, 2009. U.S. missiles struck a training facility operated by Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud and a militant communication center Friday, killing 17 people and wounding 27 others, intelligence officials said. (AP Photo/K.M.Chaudary)

An Afghan shepherd herds his sheep down from a hill near Kelagay ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:05:17 GMT

(AP) - An Afghan shepherd herds his sheep down from a hill near Kelagay (210km/130miles north of Kabul), Baghlan province of Afghanistan, Friday, June 3, 2003. (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky)

Sgt Matt Adams from Clinton, Oh., of the OMLT Team Orthos from ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:04:45 GMT

(AP) - Sgt Matt Adams from Clinton, Oh., of the OMLT Team Orthos from 1st 1-145AR RGT exercises while resting in the Camp Kelagay (210km/130miles north of Kabul), Baghlan province of Afghanistan, Friday, June 3, 2003. In Kelagay, members of the Ohio National Guard and the Hungarian Army work together training the Afghan National Army. (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky)

Sgt Matt Adams from Clinton, Oh., of the OMLT Team Orthos from ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:04:20 GMT

Sgt Jason Williams from Akron, Oh., left, and Sgm Andy Duch ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:04:08 GMT

(AP) - Sgt Jason Williams from Akron, Oh., left, and Sgm Andy Duch from Worthington, Oh., right, of the OMLT Team Orthos from 1st 1-145AR RGT play corn-hole while resting in the Camp Kelagay (210km/130miles north of Kabul), Baghlan province of Afghanistan, Friday, June 3, 2003. In Kelagay, members of the Ohio National Guard and the Hungarian Army work together training the Afghan National Army. (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky)

Pakistani tribal elders of Waziristan along the Afghanistan ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:01:29 GMT

(AP) - Pakistani tribal elders of Waziristan along the Afghanistan border, pray after their meeting to review the situation raised after security forces launched a campaign against Taliban militants and al-Qaida activists, in Bannu, Pakistan on Friday, July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/ Ijaz Muhammad)

Afghan National Army soldiers search a compound during a joint ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:35:56 GMT

(AP) - Afghan National Army soldiers search a compound during a joint patrol with U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 1st Battalion 5th Marines in a village in the Nawa district in Afghanistan's Helmand province Friday July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 1st Battalion 5th Marines patrol ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:35:17 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 1st Battalion 5th Marines patrol in a village in the Nawa district in Afghanistan's Helmand province Friday July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

U.S. Marines Cpl. Nolan Archer Dyer, IN, with a U.S. flag in ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:34:16 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Marines Cpl. Nolan Archer Dyer, IN, with a U.S. flag in his backpack take positions with his fellow marines from the 2nd MEB, 1st Battalion 5th Marines in the Nawa district in Afghanistan's Helmand province Friday July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 1st Battalion 5th Marines take ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:27:28 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 1st Battalion 5th Marines take defensive positions as they patrol in a village in the Nawa district in Afghanistan's Helmand province Friday, July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 1st Battalion 5th Marines walk ...

(AP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:27:22 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 1st Battalion 5th Marines walk carrying their weapons, ammunition, food, and water for a second day as they make their way through the Nawa district in Afghanistan's Helmand province Friday, July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

An Afghan child observes a US Marine of 2nd Marine Expeditionary ...

(AFP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:24:16 GMT

(AFP) - An Afghan child observes a US Marine of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade patrol Garmsir district in Afghanistan's Helmand province. The Russian and US presidents plan next week to sign deals on replacing a Cold War-era missile treaty and the transit of US military supplies bound for Afghanistan, a Kremlin aide said Friday.(AFP/Manpreet Romana)

A US Marine of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade patrols Garmsir ...

(AFP) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:24:16 GMT

(AFP) - A US Marine of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade patrols Garmsir district in Afghanistan's Helmand province. The Russian and US presidents plan next week to sign deals on replacing a Cold War-era missile treaty and the transit of US military supplies bound for Afghanistan, a Kremlin aide said Friday.(AFP/Manpreet Romana)

US President Barack Obama (R) meets with Russian President Dmitry ...

(AFP/File) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:24:16 GMT

(AFP/File) - US President Barack Obama (R) meets with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in London in April 2009. The Russian and US presidents plan next week to sign deals on replacing a Cold War-era missile treaty and the transit of US military supplies bound for Afghanistan, a Kremlin aide said Friday.(AFP/File/Saul Loeb)

A U.S. soldier of 3rd Platoon from the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:15:46 GMT

(Reuters) - A U.S. soldier of 3rd Platoon from the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division shows a victory sign while driving from Combat Operation Outpost (COP) Conlon in the mountains of Wardak Province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2009. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov (AFGHANISTAN POLITICS CONFLICT MILITARY)

An Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier loads a machine-gun at ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:13:25 GMT

(Reuters) - An Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier loads a machine-gun at his position near the Combat Operation Outpost (COP) Conlon in the mountains of Wardak Province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2009. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov (AFGHANISTAN POLITICS CONFLICT MILITARY)

A U.S. soldier of 3rd Platoon from the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:11:16 GMT

(Reuters) - A U.S. soldier of 3rd Platoon from the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division tries to catch a cigarette thrown by a colleague at Combat Operation Outpost (COP) Conlon in the mountains of Wardak Province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2009. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov (AFGHANISTAN POLITICS CONFLICT MILITARY)

An Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier rides on a truck near ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:09:02 GMT

(Reuters) - An Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier rides on a truck near the Combat Operation Outpost (COP) Conlon in the mountains of Wardak Province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2009. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov (AFGHANISTAN POLITICS CONFLICT MILITARY)

U.S marines patrol in the Garmsir district of Helmand province ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:27:54 GMT

(Reuters) - U.S marines patrol in the Garmsir district of Helmand province July 3, 2009. Only scattered clashes were reported on Friday as the Marines fanned out through towns and mud-brick villages in the Helmand River valley, a crescent of opium poppy and wheat fields criss-crossed by canals. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (AFGHANISTAN MILITARY CONFLICT)

A U.S marine patrols in the Garmsir district of Helmand province ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:27:52 GMT

(Reuters) - A U.S marine patrols in the Garmsir district of Helmand province July 3, 2009. Only scattered clashes were reported on Friday as the Marines fanned out through towns and mud-brick villages in the Helmand River valley, a crescent of opium poppy and wheat fields criss-crossed by canals. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (AFGHANISTAN MILITARY CONFLICT)

U.S marines patrol in the Garmsir district of Helmand province ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:26:36 GMT

A U.S marine is reflected in a mirror which is displayed for ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:24:21 GMT

(Reuters) - A U.S marine is reflected in a mirror which is displayed for sale, as he patrols in the Garmsir district of Helmand province July 3, 2009. Only scattered clashes were reported on Friday as the Marines fanned out through towns and mud-brick villages in the Helmand River valley, a crescent of opium poppy and wheat fields criss-crossed by canals. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (AFGHANISTAN MILITARY CONFLICT)

A U.S marine patrols in the Garmsir district of Helmand province ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:24:16 GMT

An Afghan army vehicle passes by as a U.S marine patrols in ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:23:07 GMT

(Reuters) - An Afghan army vehicle passes by as a U.S marine patrols in the Garmsir district of Helmand province July 3, 2009. Only scattered clashes were reported on Friday as the Marines fanned out through towns and mud-brick villages in the Helmand River valley, a crescent of opium poppy and wheat fields criss-crossed by canals. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (AFGHANISTAN MILITARY CONFLICT)

An Afghan man watches as a U.S marine patrols in the Garmsir ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:20:33 GMT

(Reuters) - An Afghan man watches as a U.S marine patrols in the Garmsir district of Helmand province July 3, 2009. Only scattered clashes were reported on Friday as the Marines fanned out through towns and mud-brick villages in the Helmand River valley, a crescent of opium poppy and wheat fields criss-crossed by canals. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (AFGHANISTAN MILITARY CONFLICT)

U.S marines and an Afghan policeman patrol in the Garmsir district ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:16:56 GMT

(Reuters) - U.S marines and an Afghan policeman patrol in the Garmsir district of Helmand province July 3, 2009. Only scattered clashes were reported on Friday as the Marines fanned out through towns and mud-brick villages in the Helmand River valley, a crescent of opium poppy and wheat fields criss-crossed by canals. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (AFGHANISTAN MILITARY CONFLICT)

U.S marines patrol in the Garmsir district of Helmand province ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:14:38 GMT

U.S marines patrol in the Garmsir district of Helmand province ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:07:46 GMT

(Reuters) - U.S marines patrol in the Garmsir district of Helmand province July 3, 2009. Thousands of U.S. Marines stormed deep into Taliban territory in an Afghan valley on Thursday, marking the start of a major new effort by the Obama administration to regain the initiative in the war. Only scattered clashes were reported on Friday as the Marines fanned out through towns and mud-brick villages in the Helmand River valley, a crescent of opium poppy and wheat fields criss-crossed by canals. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood (AFGHANISTAN MILITARY CONFLICT)

U.S marines patrol in the Garmsir district of Helmand province ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:07:42 GMT