U.S.-Led Forces Enter Combat Phase of War in Afghanistan

A "significantly new phase of war" was under way in Afghanistan as U.S. special forces launched ground attacks on Taliban targets on Friday, the CNN quoted U.S. officials as saying.

Instead of confining their role in liaison and reconnaissance, the U.S. forces now entered the combat phase to hunt down terrorist leaders hiding in the Central Asian country, the officials said.

U.S. TV networks reported earlier that U.S. special forces and helicopter gunships launched attacks on a Taliban target in southern Afghanistan. Between 100 and 200 U.S. Army Rangers were involved in what was described as "the first ground raid against the Taliban."

But so far there is no confirmation from the Pentagon on the latest development in Afghanistan.

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