MATTIS SAYS AFGHAN FORCES ARE FULLY ENGAGED

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress Afghan 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 improve competence.

During testimony Tusday before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Mattis sought to assure lawmakers that President Trump’s strategy represents the best approach. Mattis said Afghan forces are becoming bolder in combat because they know U.S. and NATO forces are using airpower to strike militants on “the high ground.” That frees up the Afghans to “take the fight to the enemy,” Mattis said.