2005 deadly for U.S. in Afghanistan

UPI
Aug. 22, 2005

This year has been the deadliest for the U.S. military in Afghanistan since 2001, with more violence expected as the election approaches.

Of the 181 soldiers who have died in the country since the United States launched its invasion in October 2001, 65 have been killed this year, the New York Times reported. Four died Sunday when a bomb hit a military vehicle.

Afghani security officials say the pace of insurgent attacks on both U.S. and Afghan forces is increasing, out of a desire to disrupt the elections scheduled for Sept. 18 -- and because al-Qaida and Taliban loyalists are coming back to the country.

"The fact that fighters come across the border, that cannot be denied," Defense Minister Gen. Abdur Rahim Wardak told the Times. "There are more people crossing on mountain trails."

More than 40 soldiers in the Afghan National Army have died since March while 50 police officers were killed in June and July. Insurgents have also attacked election workers and clerics perceived as supporting the Kabul government.