Battle kills 15 NATO, nine U.S. troops

There was more evidence of a resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan after heavy fighting yesterday killed nine U.S. troops and 15 other NATO military personnel near the Pakistan border.

Many analysts believe that the renewed ability of the Taliban is possible because resources have been diverted away from Afghanistan to the "surge" in Iraq.

The insurgents fought NATO troops with machine guns, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades.

Times Online

Nine US troops die in Taliban assault on Afghan base guardian.co.uk - 1 hour ago The Nato-led effort to subdue the Taliban suffered one its heaviest blows since the 2001 invasion yesterday when nine US soldiers were killed and 15 other Nato troops injured in a day-long battle in a region close to the Pakistan border. Video: 9 US Soldiers Killed in Afghan Attack AssociatedPress Heavy Fighting in Afghanistan Kills 9 Americans, Many Insurgents Voice of America