Afghan war stepped up

THE US air war in Afghanistan has returned to a level of intensity not seen since American forces fought Taliban militants daily in 2012, according to recent military data.

As of June 30, US and coalition aircraft had expended 1 634 munitions in Afghanistan this year. In 2015 and 2016, that figure was 298 and 545 respectively.

Most of this year’s strikes have been on the Taliban, said Navy Captain Bill Salvin.

The surge in US-led air attacks comes as the Pentagon weighs whether to send more troops. Some politicians see an increase in support for the US’s longest war as futile.