Troops Keep Comin' to Afghanistan
    The Associated Press

    Thursday 10 May 2007

    Washington - The Pentagon said yesterday that it will maintain a heightened level of U.S. troops in Afghanistan well into 2008 by sending elements of the 101st Airborne Division as a replacement force.

    The 101st Airborne's commanding general and his headquarters staff, plus the division's 4th Brigade, will deploy early next year, the Pentagon said. They will replace the 82nd Airborne Division's headquarters and its 4th Brigade.

    Extra combat troops are in Afghanistan in anticipation of a tougher fight in coming months against Taliban militants who have demonstrated a more organized, better-trained resistance. The number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan is about 25,500.

    Meanwhile, Afghan lawmakers angered by mounting civilian deaths sent a sharp warning to U.S. and NATO commanders, passing a motion for a military ceasefire and negotiations with the Taliban.

    The resolution came as air strikes called in by U.S. Special Forces soldiers fighting with insurgents in southern Afghanistan killed at least 21 civilians, officials said yesterday. One coalition soldier was also killed.

    Helmand provincial Gov. Assadullah Wafa said Taliban fighters sought shelter in villagers' homes during the fighting in the Sangin district Tuesday evening, and that subsequent air strikes killed 21 civilians, including several women and children.