Intense photos from Afghanistan capture the cat-and-mouse battles being fought between the Taliban and the country's elite special forces.
Hit And Run: Afghan Special Forces Battle Elusive Taliban
- By RFE/RL
1
A Humvee hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) burns during an early morning mission by Afghan special forces on July 13. The elite troops were attempting to rescue police commander Ahmad Shah, who was besieged by Taliban militants on the outskirts of the southern city of Kandahar.
2
A civilian runs for cover amid a shoot-out that erupted as Afghan special forces neared the checkpoint where Shah was holed up. A Reuters photographer traveling with the convoy says gunfire appeared to come from both sides of the road before several RPGs were fired at the vehicles.
3
A Humvee wrecked during the July 13 rescue mission. Three of the eight vehicles used in the operation took direct hits from RPGs and had to be left behind.
4
An Afghan special forces soldier during the rescue mission. After three vehicles were destroyed by RPG fire, commandos piled into the remaining vehicles.
