Marine general says troops can expect more 'tough fighting' n Afghanistan

San Diego (California, US), May 17 (ANI): American and other foreign troops that are doing duty in war-ravaged Afghanistan, can expect more "tough fighting" in the days to come, warned Marine Major General Richard Mills during a teleconference with reporters at Camp Pendleton.

"I think we have some sacrifices we're going to have to make," the Los Angeles Times quoted Major General Mills, as saying on Friday.

Marines from Camp Pendleton and other bases are making progress in defeating the Taliban in Afghanistan, but there is more "tough fighting" ahead as the war enters a critical year, the top Marine general in Afghanistan told local reporters.

Nine Marines have been killed this month in southern Helmand province, on the Pakistani border. A helicopter was downed by enemy fire, a rarity in the nine-year conflict. Buried roadside bombs continue to take their toll on Marines and Afghan civilians.

Maj. Gen. Mills said he believed advances were being made in routing the Taliban, winning the allegiance of Afghan civilians, and training the Afghan army and police force. But there will be more combat, he said. (ANI)