Mattis: Afghan Forces Fully Engaged for First Time

US Defence Secretary James Mattis told Congress Tuesday that the Afghanistan security forces are fully engaged in combat operations for the first time during the 16-year-old war and are suffering fewer casualties as they continue to improve their competence on the battlefield. During testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Mattis sought to assure lawmakers that President Donald Trump’s new strategy for Afghanistan represents the best approach for winning America’s longest war. Mattis said that the Afghan forces are becoming bolder in combat because they know US and NATO forces are using airpower to strike the Taliban and other militants on “the high ground.” That frees up the Afghans to “take the fight to the enemy,” Mattis said. Trump unveiled his new strategy for Afghanistan in August and said American troops would “fight to win” by attacking enemies, “crushing” al-Qaida, and preventing terrorist attacks against Americans.