Taliban step up violence

Afghan security forces fought back against a fierce Taliban onslaught by about 800 militants in a key southern province Wednesday. It was a fourth day of clashes, which have killed dozens of people, including at least 35 civilians. The Taliban attacks targeted checkpoints and government buildings in Helmand province, which was touted as a showcase of a major U.S. military offensive to drive out the militants in 2009. The militants have stepped up their violence in a bid to undermine the westernbacked government.