U.S. Commander In Afghanistan Calls For More Troops

Eikenberry (left) shakes hands with President Karzai at a ceremony in October 2006 (epa) January 16, 2007 -- The senior U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry, today called for more troops to confront a surge in Taliban attacks.

During a visit to Kabul by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Eikenberry warned that militants are using Pakistan's territory to base their operations in Afghanistan. He noted that the number of militant incursions from Pakistan last month was double the number a year ago.

The incursions have grown in spite of a Pakistani government agreement in September to hand some security responsibilities to local tribesmen in the North Waziristan border area. The move was intended to reduce militant activity.

Eikenberry said he expects more violence in Afghanistan in the coming months, including possible terror attacks in Kandahar and other urban centers.

During Gates' visit to Kabul, he is scheduled to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, as well as with U.S. and NATO commanders.

(AFP, Reuters)