Combined Forces Take Aim At Militant Presence In Mountains

Hundreds of Afghan and U.S. troops have been airlifted into Afghanistan's eastern mountains in a large-scale operation, reports USA Today.

The mission is aimed at eliminating the persistent insurgency in the northern part of the Watahpur District in Kunar province, U.S. officials said.

A U.S. officer said the goal is for the Afghan army to hold areas that are cleared by the operation. The region has long been a stronghold for armed groups in Afghanistan and from Pakistan. ...