Afghanistan on Yahoo! News Photos

London has defended the use of more than 100 pigs in military ...

(AFP/File) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:03:44 GMT

(AFP/File) - London has defended the use of more than 100 pigs in military explosives tests in the past five years, saying the experiments had saved lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.(AFP/File/Viktor Drachev)

The U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard folds the flag during a service ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:53:17 GMT

(AP) - The U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard folds the flag during a service for Marine Sgt. David J. Smith at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. Sgt. Smith was critically wounded Jan. 23 in a suicide attack in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He died of his injuries three days later. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard carries the casket during ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:49:15 GMT

(AP) - The U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard carries the casket during a service for Marine Sgt. David J. Smith at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. Sgt. Smith was critically wounded Jan. 23 in a suicide attack in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He died of his injuries three days later. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Marine bugler Staff Sgt. Michael Warnick from The President's ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:40:58 GMT

(AP) - Marine bugler Staff Sgt. Michael Warnick from The President's Own, plays during a burial service for Marine Sgt. David J. Smith at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. Sgt. Smith was critically wounded Jan. 23 in a suicide attack in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He died of his injuries three days later. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The Marine Honor Guard carries the casket during a service for ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:40:06 GMT

(AP) - The Marine Honor Guard carries the casket during a service for Marine Sgt. David J. Smith at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. Sgt. Smith was critically wounded Jan. 23 in a suicide attack in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He died of his injuries three days later. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The U.S. Marine Corps firing party checks their spacing before ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:16:15 GMT

(AP) - The U.S. Marine Corps firing party checks their spacing before a service for Marine Sgt. David J. Smith at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. Sgt. Smith was critically wounded Jan. 23 in a suicide attack in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He died of his injuries three days later. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The U.S. Marine Corps firing party fires one of three volleys ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:13:26 GMT

(AP) - The U.S. Marine Corps firing party fires one of three volleys during a service for Marine Sgt. David J. Smith at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. Sgt. Smith was critically wounded Jan. 23 in a suicide attack in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He died of his injuries three days later. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard begins to fold the flag during ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:12:51 GMT

(AP) - The U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard begins to fold the flag during a service for Marine Sgt. David J. Smith at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. Sgt. Smith was critically wounded Jan. 23 in a suicide attack in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He died of his injuries three days later. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A Marine Corps Major presents a flag to Leonard Smith the father, ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:11:55 GMT

(AP) - A Marine Corps Major presents a flag to Leonard Smith the father, during a service for Marine Sgt. David J. Smith at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. Second from right is his mother Mary Jane McWilliams. Sgt. Smith was critically wounded Jan. 23 in a suicide attack in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He died of his injuries three days later. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Graphic on Afghanistan's Helmand province, ahead of a major ...

(AFP/Graphic) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:22:35 GMT

(AFP/Graphic) - Graphic on Afghanistan's Helmand province, ahead of a major assault against Taliban militants. US Marines on Tuesday stepped up preparations for a major assault on a key Taliban bastion in southern Afghanistan hailed by officers as the biggest offensive of the eight-year war.(AFP/Graphic)

Afghani security officials stand near a destroyed vehicle at ...

(AFP/File) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:22:35 GMT

(AFP/File) - Afghani security officials stand near a destroyed vehicle at the site of an explosion in Kandahar on February 7. US Marines on Tuesday stepped up preparations for a major assault on a key Taliban bastion in southern Afghanistan hailed by officers as the biggest offensive of the eight-year war.(AFP/File)

US Marines with 1/3 Marines Alpha company check their equipment ...

(AFP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:22:35 GMT

(AFP) - US Marines with 1/3 Marines Alpha company check their equipment at a company operation base (COB) in Toor Ghar in Helmand province on February 8. US Marines on Tuesday stepped up preparations for a major assault on a key Taliban bastion in southern Afghanistan hailed by officers as the biggest offensive of the eight-year war.(AFP/Patrick Baz)

US Marines with 1/3 Marines Alpha company check their equipment ...

(AFP/File) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:22:35 GMT

(AFP/File) - US Marines with 1/3 Marines Alpha company check their equipment at a company operation base (COB) during a sandstorm in Toor Ghar in the Helmand province on February 8. US Marines on Tuesday stepped up preparations for a major assault on a key Taliban bastion in southern Afghanistan hailed by officers as the biggest offensive of the eight-year war.(AFP/File/Patrick Baz)

VIDEO: US military officials in Afghanistan say lack of training ...

(AFPTV) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:22:35 GMT

(AFPTV) - VIDEO: US military officials in Afghanistan say lack of training and equipment, as well as widespread drug use and tribal conflicts, are hampering efforts to transfer responsibility for security to local forces. Duration: 01:53(AFPTV)

A US marine dog handler with 1/3 Marines Alpha company waits ...

(AFP/File) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:22:35 GMT

(AFP/File) - A US marine dog handler with 1/3 Marines Alpha company waits with his dog at a company operation base (COB) in Toor Ghar in the Helmand province on February 8. US Marines on Tuesday stepped up preparations for a major assault on a key Taliban bastion in southern Afghanistan hailed by officers as the biggest offensive of the eight-year war.(AFP/File/Patrick Baz)

The shadow of a Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter banking ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:17:13 GMT

(AP) - The shadow of a Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter banking hard as soldiers from Charlie Company, Task Force Talon fly on a mission in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010. The Talon MEDEVAC in Helmand is one of several army aero-medical units positioned around southern Afghanistan by the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, known as Task Force Pegasus. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Map locates Marjah in Helmand province, Afghanistan, where a ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:31:11 GMT

(AP) - Map locates Marjah in Helmand province, Afghanistan, where a U.S./Afghan offensive against Taliban militants is imminent

A U.S. Army flight medic looks through the window of a Black ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:26:44 GMT

(AP) - A U.S. Army flight medic looks through the window of a Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter, during a mission in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010. The Talon MEDEVAC in Helmand is one of several army aero-medical units positioned around southern Afghanistan by the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, known as Task Force Pegasus. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

A Black Hawk chase helicopter provides security for a medical ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:26:06 GMT

(AP) - A Black Hawk chase helicopter provides security for a medical evacuation helicopter, both with with Charlie Company, Task Force Talon, in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010. The Talon MEDEVAC in Helmand is one of several army aero-medical units positioned around southern Afghanistan by the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, known as Task Force Pegasus. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Private Tyler Shiroda from 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, ...

(Reuters) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:25:08 GMT

(Reuters) - Private Tyler Shiroda from 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, C Company of the British Army stood on "top cover" of an armoured vehicle travelling in Lashkar Gah, February 9, 2010. REUTERS/Baris Atayman (AFGHANISTAN

Private Tyler Shiroda from 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, ...

(Reuters) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:01:10 GMT

(Reuters) - Private Tyler Shiroda from 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, C Company of the British Army stands on "top cover" of an armoured vehicle travelling in Lashkar Gah February 9, 2010. REUTERS/Baris Atayman (AFGHANISTAN - Tags: MILITARY)

A US Marine dog handler waits with his dog at a company operation ...

(AFP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:59:39 GMT

(AFP) - A US Marine dog handler waits with his dog at a company operation base (COB) in Toor Ghar in the Helmand province on February 8. US Marines have stepped up preparations for a major assault on a key Taliban bastion in southern Afghanistan hailed by officers as the biggest offensive of the eight-year war.(AFP/Patrick Baz)

US Marines carry their equipment during a sandstorm in Helmand ...

(AFP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:59:39 GMT

(AFP) - US Marines carry their equipment during a sandstorm in Helmand province. US Marines have stepped up preparations for a major assault on a key Taliban bastion in southern Afghanistan hailed by officers as the biggest offensive of the eight-year war.(AFP/Patrick Baz)

A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, right, used by Charlie Company, ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:59:36 GMT

(AP) - A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, right, used by Charlie Company, Task Force Talon, powers up before a mission, at a forward operating base, in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010. The Talon MEDEVAC in Helmand is one of several army aero-medical units positioned around southern Afghanistan by the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, known as Task Force Pegasus. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Before a mission, U.S. Army Crew Chief Spc. Emil Rivera, of ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:58:56 GMT

(AP) - Before a mission, U.S. Army Crew Chief Spc. Emil Rivera, of Tuscon, Ariz., left, and flight medic Sgt. Bryan Eickelberg, of Arden Hills, Minn., both with Charlie Company, Task Force Talon, sit inside their Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter, in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010. The Talon MEDEVAC in Helmand is one of several army aero-medical units positioned around southern Afghanistan by the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, known as Task Force Pegasus. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

U.S. Army flight medic Sgt. Michael G. Patangan, from Houston, ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:57:31 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Army flight medic Sgt. Michael G. Patangan, from Houston, Texas, with Charlie Company, Task Force Talon, looks out the open hatch of a Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter, during a mission in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010. The Talon MEDEVAC in Helmand is one of several army aero-medical units positioned around southern Afghanistan by the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, known as Task Force Pegasus. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Afghan police recruits wait to give urine samples for a random ...

(Reuters) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:56:11 GMT

(Reuters) - Afghan police recruits wait to give urine samples for a random drug test in Lashkar Gah police training center, February 9, 2010. Out of 25 samples collected, three tested positive for amphetamines and opiates while 15 tested positive for hashish, a British officer said. Those who had failed the test for hashish were forced to stand up and be reprimanded in front of their class of 300 recruits at a parade. One recruit was kicked out of the force. REUTERS/Baris Atayman (AFGHANISTAN

An Afghan police recruit who has been tested positive to drugs ...

(Reuters) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:53:57 GMT

(Reuters) - An Afghan police recruit who has been tested positive to drugs is reprimanded in front of his classmates before being sacked from the force, in Lashkar Gah February 9, 2010. Out of 25 samples collected from police recruits, three tested positive for amphetamines and opiates while 15 tested positive for hashish, a British officer said. Those who had failed the test for hashish were forced to stand up and be reprimanded in front of their class of 300 recruits at a parade. REUTERS/Baris Atayman (AFGHANISTAN - Tags: MILITARY SOCIETY CRIME LAW)

U.S. Army flight medic Sgt. Michael G. Patangan, from Houston, ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:51:49 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Army flight medic Sgt. Michael G. Patangan, from Houston, Texas, with Charlie Company, Task Force Talon, checks an instrument during a mission aboard a Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter, in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010. The Talon MEDEVAC in Helmand is one of several army aero-medical units positioned around southern Afghanistan by the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, known as Task Force Pegasus. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

U.S. Marines from 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines play with ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:50:04 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Marines from 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines play with their bomb sniffing dog on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010 at Outpost Belleau Wood, Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A U.S. Marine from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines digs ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:31:41 GMT

(AP) - A U.S. Marine from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines digs his sleeping hole outside of Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines stop ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:31:27 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines stop to make camp outside of Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines watch ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:31:19 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines watch a convoy arrive as they dig their sleeping holes outside of Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines stop ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:29:57 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines stop for the night to make camp outside of Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province Tuesday, February 9, 2010. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

A convoy from the U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:29:28 GMT

(AP) - A convoy from the U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines drive in the desert outside of Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines dig ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:29:20 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines dig their sleeping holes outside of Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province Tuesday, February 9, 2010. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

A British soldier from 11th Light Brigade tests urine samples ...

(Reuters) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:29:15 GMT

(Reuters) - A British soldier from 11th Light Brigade tests urine samples collected from Afghan police recruits for drugs in Lashkar Gah police training centre February 9, 2010. Out of 25 samples collected, three tested positive for amphetamines and opiates while 15 tested positive for hashish, a British officer said. Those who had failed the test for hashish were forced to stand up and be reprimanded in front of their class of 300 recruits at a parade. One recruit was kicked out of the force for being positive to opiate and amphetamine test. REUTERS/Baris Atayman (AFGHANISTAN - Tags: MILITARY SOCIETY)

U.S. Army Crew Chief Spc. Emil Rivera, of Tuscon, Ariz., with ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:28:20 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Army Crew Chief Spc. Emil Rivera, of Tuscon, Ariz., with Charlie Company, Task Force Talon, flies on a mission in a Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter, in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010. The Talon MEDEVAC in Helmand is one of several army aero-medical units positioned around southern Afghanistan by the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, known as Task Force Pegasus. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Airborne in a Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter en route ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:28:01 GMT

(AP) - Airborne in a Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopter en route to a hospital, U.S. Army flight medic Sgt. Michael G. Patangan, from Houston, Texas, left, and fellow medic Sgt. Bryan Eickelberg, of Arden Hills, Minn., both with Charlie Company, Task Force Talon, attend to Governor of Nawa District Haji Abdul Manaf, after Manaf had a heart attack, in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010. Behind at center is Crew Chief Spc. Emil Rivera, of Tuscon, Ariz. The Talon MEDEVAC in Helmand is one of several army aero-medical units positioned around southern Afghanistan by the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, known as Task Force Pegasus. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

A Black Hawk crew with with Charlie Company, Task Force Talon, ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:27:55 GMT

(AP) - A Black Hawk crew with with Charlie Company, Task Force Talon, walk on their flight line as a U.S. Marine helicopter comes in for a landing in the background, at a combat outpost in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010. The Talon MEDEVAC in Helmand is one of several army aero-medical units positioned around southern Afghanistan by the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, known as Task Force Pegasus. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

A Black Hawk chase helicopter provides security for a medical ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:18:18 GMT

U.S. Marine Brigadier General Larry Nicholson speaks to U.S. ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:18:07 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Marine Brigadier General Larry Nicholson speaks to U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines at Belleau Wood outpost outside Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province Tuesday, February 9, 2010. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines listen ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:17:55 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines listen to Brigadier General Larry Nicholson at Belleau Wood outpost outside Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province Tuesday, February 9, 2010. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

An Afghan army soldier carries a child, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010, ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:09:14 GMT

(AP) - An Afghan army soldier carries a child, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010, during an evacuation from the avalanche which struck the Salang Pass, some 100 kms north of Kabul, Afghanistan. Officials said the avalanches have killed at least 28 people and left another 1,500 stranded in a snow-blocked mountain pass, with the Defense Ministry releasing a statement saying another 70 people have been injured as rescue efforts continued to dig out hundreds of vehicles stuck on the pass north of Kabul.(AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Afghans get into an army truck Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010, after being ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:08:52 GMT

(AP) - Afghans get into an army truck Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010, after being evacuated from the avalanche which struck the Salang Pass, some 100 kms noth of Kabul, Afghanistan. Officials said the avalanches have killed at least 28 people and left another 1,500 stranded in a snow-blocked mountain pass, with the Defense Ministry releasing a statement saying another 70 people have been injured as rescue efforts continued to dig out hundreds of vehicles stuck on the pass north of Kabul.(AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

An Afghan street vendor man sells scarves and waits for customers ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:07:00 GMT

(AP) - An Afghan street vendor man sells scarves and waits for customers in Kabul, Afghanistan on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)

Afghan men walk through a snow-covered road in Kabul on February ...

(AFP/File) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:30:11 GMT

(AFP/File) - Afghan men walk through a snow-covered road in Kabul on February 8. An avalanche triggered by heavy snow has killed up to 30 people and left another 70 injured in the treacherous mountains of northern Afghanistan.(AFP/File/Shah Marai)

Britain's Duchess of Cornwall gets her nose tweaked by 10-month-old ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:21:54 GMT

(AP) - Britain's Duchess of Cornwall gets her nose tweaked by 10-month-old Oliver Gidlow-Jackson, while visiting a family centre on the Bulford military base at Salisbury, England, Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010. The Duchess, as Royal Colonel of 4th Battalion, The Rifles, which currently has troops serving in Afghanistan, was entertained by children who sang and rapped their way through their school song during the visit.(AP Photo/David Crump, Daily Mail, pool)

An Afghan youth walks past by bird cages on display, for sale ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:07:02 GMT

(AP) - An Afghan youth walks past by bird cages on display, for sale at a aviary shop in Kabul, Afghanistan on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)

An Afghan pigeon seller tends to his birds for sale in Kabul, ...

(AP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:06:17 GMT

(AP) - An Afghan pigeon seller tends to his birds for sale in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq)