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August Deadliest Month for US in Afghanistan

By the Associated Press

Posted Aug 28, 2009 10:18 AM CDT

(AP) – A bomb blast in Afghanistan killed an American service member today, making August the deadliest month of the 8-year war for US forces. The service member's vehicle struck a roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan, NATO forces said, bringing the number of troops killed in August to 45, one more than the total in July.

More than 60,000 US troops are in Afghanistan—a record number—to fight rising insurgent violence. Attacks typically rise in the country during the summer fighting season, and US officials had warned that violence was likely to increase as 21,000 additional troops poured in this summer. The forces have faced a surge in roadside bombs as they move into Taliban strongholds in the south.

US Marine Cpl. Russell pays his respects to Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard during a memorial service at a forward operating base Thursday in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.
US Marine Cpl. Russell pays his respects to Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard during a memorial service at a forward operating base Thursday in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, left, and Sgt. Major Hooph pay their respects to Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, left, and Sgt. Major Hooph pay their respects to Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
NxBigmouthery
Aug 28, 2009 9:27 AM CDT
Is that the official name, 'the summer fighting season'? If so, you'd think that'd present somewhat of a clue. On a more serious note, you have to wonder whether fighting one evil so that another can potentially thrive is a good thing.
Newser001
Aug 28, 2009 5:43 AM CDT
As with everything we seem to involve ourselves with, with regard to foreign affairs - Damed if we do, damned of we don't. Unfortunately, this too is unwinnable....
JonmarkP
Aug 28, 2009 4:19 AM CDT
We reap what we sow. Who knew?

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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