Sharing Lunch - U.S. paratroopers join Afghan soldiers in a traditional Afghan lunch following a combined clearing operation in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 29, 2012. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod
Afghan Troop Deaths Rise As Army Expands Its Role -- New York Times
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan government has hit a grim record in its quest to take over the country’s security from coalition forces: more than 1,000 soldiers died in 2012, a roughly 20 percent increase from 2011.
Though the Afghan Army’s death rates have outstripped those for international forces in recent years, the new figures show the widest margin yet, as more and more Afghan units have taken the field. International forces were reported to have lost about 400 soldiers in 2012, the lowest number since 2008.
Read more ....
More News On Afghan - ISAF Fatalities For 2012
Violence in Afghanistan falls in 2012, but more Afghan troops dying and insider attacks rise -- Washington Post/AP
1056 Afghan soldiers killed in 2012: Defense officials -- Khaama Press
Afghan soldier deaths reach record level in 2012 -- Global Post
Record number of Afghan soldiers killed in 2012 -- International News
Record Number of Afghan Soldiers Killed in 2012 -- Defense News/AFP
My Comment: The Afghan military is stepping up .... but they are suffering heavy casualties.