There's been a recent spike in the number of Afghan forces, particularly police, killed in Afghanistan.
The reason, the top U.S. general in Afghanistan explains, is due to increased Taliban attacks in the south and east of the country.
Army General John Campbell told Pentagon reporters on October 2 that despite the casualties, Afghan force have been able to retake terrain captured by the Taliban, including in Helmand Province, site of fierce fighting in recent days.
Speaking from Afghanistan, Campbell said that overall this year there have been 7,000-9,000 Afghans wounded or killed, which is a bit higher than the totals for last year.
Campbell also refuted reports last week about possible beheadings by the Taliban in Ghanzi Province in eastern Afghanistan, saying they were "absolutely false."