U.S.
US to expand special operations forces’ role in Afghanistan
Stars and Stripes
February 6, 2012
U.S. servicemembers assigned to the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) provide security during a night mission in Qalat City, Afghanistan, March 16, 2011. The PRT checked to make sure that supplies ordered by Afghan government agencies were delivered. (Adrian Cadiz/U.S. Air Force)
The U.S. military is planning to expand role of special operations forces in Afghanistan, putting more emphasis on killing Taliban leaders and advising Afghan forces, according to a Washington Post story.
The Pentagon is expected to create a new two-star command responsible for all special operations efforts in Afghanistan. Maj. Gen Tony Thomas, deputy commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, would take command of the new billet.
The new command could take over responsibility for the daily war effort as the U.S. reduces the amount of troops in Afghanistan and moves away from its combat role, according to the Post.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the U.S. hopes to end the combat mission by the middle of next year, according to the article.