American, coalition combat deaths rise in Afghanistan

Eight American and three British combat deaths in Afghanistan in 24 hours served as a grim forecast for a “violent summer” as NATO troops ratchet up pressure on the Taliban, officials and experts said.

“You are seeing this increase in casualties because [coalition] forces are pushing into areas that have been historic safe havens for insurgent fighters,” coalition spokesman Lt. Col. John L. Dorrian told The Washington Examiner. “As we reduce their freedom of movement and action, they’re fighting back as we knew they would. We expect a violent summer as we continue to build up forces in the southern part of Afghanistan.”