For the second month in a row, a new record high in combat fatalities has been reached in Afghanistan for the U.S. military. A total of 45 American service members died in August, surpassing the 44 killed in July, which was the previous high mark. The sudden rise in combat deaths follows the buildup of U.S. forces in the country as part of President Barack Obama’s new policy for winning the conflict against the Taliban and al Qaeda.

 

At least 732 American military personnel have died in the Afghan war since the U.S.-led invasion in late 2001. But nearly 60% of those deaths have come just within the past two years, following the resurgence of the Taliban in 2007. More than 60,000 U.S. troops are now in Afghanistan, with 4,000 more due to arrive before the end of the year. 

 

The spike in combat deaths may be affecting American support for the war. In July, a poll reported 45% of Americans believed the conflict was not worth fighting. A recent Washington Post-ABC News poll in August showed that sentiment had increased to just over 50%.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

August Deadliest Month for US in Afghanistan (by Robert Reid, Associated Press)

U.S. Deaths Hit A Record High In Afghanistan (by Ann Scott Tyson and Greg Jaffe, Washington Post)