CIA Sending More Spies to Afghanistan

Covert effort aimed at stemming resurgence of Taliban

By Mat Probasco, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 20, 2009 6:39 AM CDT

(Newser) – The CIA is upping its deployment of personnel in Afghanistan to combat a widespread resurgence of Taliban forces, reports the Los Angeles Times. The new spies, analysts, and paramilitary operatives will team up with special forces squads as part of an intelligence surge likely to rival the agency's numbers in Iraq and Vietnam during the height of those wars.

Taliban roadside bombings have increased in recent months, as have the intensity and sophistication of attacks, said US Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal. The Taliban appear to have perfected an "assembly-line approach" to recruiting and churning out suicide bombers. The Obama administration estimates it has less than a year before US support for the war collapses.

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The CIA is boosting its deployment of spies, analysts and paramilitary operatives to counteract growing Taliban strength. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

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The Taliban is at its most capable level since 2001, when it was ejected from the country.
- A Defense Department official

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CIA Sending More Spies to Afghanistan