Outgoing commander Eikenberry (right) and his Afghan counterpart (file photo) (epa)
December 30, 2006 -- The outgoing U.S. commander in Afghanistan expects higher levels of fighting in the coming year.
In an interview with AP, Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry said Taliban militants will try to attack border security posts, extend their suicide bombings, and attack district centers in groups of 25 to 100 fighters.
But he said their efforts will not provide "a significant military challenge" for U.S., Afghan, or NATO forces.
Eikenberry is expected to leave his post in late January.
(AP)