Afghans Facing Food Crisis

(NEWSER) - Eight British soldiers were killed in Afghanistan last week within just 24 hours, the worst day of casualties the UK had seen in 30 years. After 15 fatalities in July alone, Gordon Brown is facing severe criticism for underfinancing the war effort, particularly for not providing enough helicopters to troops, reports the New York Times. Washington is watching the debate closely—it relies on Britain to oversee Helmand, Afghanistan's most violent province and the world's largest opium producer. More»

Taliban drug factory found and destroyed in Helmand province

(NEWSER) - British troops have seized a huge stash of Taliban drugs after fierce fighting in Afghanistan, the Telegraph reports. Soldiers from the elite Black Watch squad discovered opium, heroin, and cannabis with a street value of some $105 million after attacking a Taliban drug factory in Helmand province. A number of militants were killed during the operation, which British commanders believe has dealt a heavy blow to the Taliban. More»

(NEWSER) - US and Afghan forces seized a massive drug cache and and killed 60 militants in a four-day operation in Helmand province, Reuters reports. The troops scored more than 17 tons of morphine, opium, and heroin, along with 75 tons of poppy seeds, and caches of weapons and equipment, the military said. More»

Offensive aims to cut off Afghan insurgency's financial lifeline

(NEWSER) - American commanders in Afghanistan are preparing a huge assault on the Taliban's opium-growing heartlands this summer, reports the New York Times. Taking out the opium crop is key to NATO strategy, and commanders expect casualties on both sides will be high as the militants stand their ground to defend the poppy fields that fund their insurgency. More»

Heartland strategy seeks to cut off Taliban's supply of fighters, drug money

(NEWSER) - US commanders are finalizing plans to beat back the resurgent Taliban with tens of thousands of extra American troops in Afghanistan, the Wall Street Journal reports. As part of Barack Obama's emerging strategy, reinforcements will be deployed in rural areas where Kabul's grip is weak, including along the border with Pakistan and in the country's opium growing heartland. More»