Mar 15th, 2010 · U.S. and Afghan forces are continuing an offensive to clear insurgents from Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. But the most difficult part of the operation — paving the way for Afghans to take the reins and establish effective local governance — has only begun.
Mar 14th, 2010 · Afghanistan produces about 90 percent of the world's supply of opium poppies, the plant used to make heroin. About half of that supply comes from the Helmand province. Earlier efforts by NATO forces to destroy the poppy crops were unsuccessful; when the Taliban came back, so did the farmer's poppies. In the most recent offensive, NATO took a mostly hands-off approach, leaving the farmers and their crops alone. Guest host Audie Cornish speaks with author and journalist Gretchen Peters about the effects of the NATO offensive around Marjah on the poppy trade in Afghanistan.
Mar 9th, 2010 · Defense Secretary Robert Gates visited U.S. troops in Kandahar and Helmand provinces on Tuesday. He handed out Purple Hearts and Silver Stars, and toured an Afghan market.
Feb 13th, 2010 · Early Saturday morning, thousands of NATO soldiers began a massive offensive against the Taliban in the Helmand province. Host Scott Simon reviews the week in the news with NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr.
Feb 13th, 2010 · Early Saturday morning, thousands of NATO soldiers began a massive offensive against the Taliban in the Helmand province. Host Scott Simon reviews the week in the news with NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr.
Nov 4th, 2009 · An Afghan policeman opened fire on British soldiers in the volatile southern province of Helmand, killing five before fleeing, British and Afghan authorities said Wednesday. The shooting raises concerns about discipline within the Afghan forces and possible infiltration by insurgents.
Nov 3rd, 2009 · The Marines in Afghanistan's Helmand province are pursuing a counterinsurgency strategy of "hold to build" — pushing out the Taliban and helping the Afghan government bring a sense of normalcy to villages in a region known as the "snake's head."
Oct 27th, 2009 · The Marines of "America's Battalion" have been fighting the Taliban in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province since July. Now, as the Marines move south, looking to extend their area of operation, they are patrolling for the deadliest of threats: roadside bombs.