Sangin Firefight

By

Staff

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 6, 2014, during RED FLAG-Alaska 15-1. RF-A is a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Swafford Jr./Released)

US Marine Lance Corporal Victor Salgado, 21, of 1st Battalion 5th Marines climbs into an armoured vehicle after being shot in the foot in a field during a Taliban gun attack in the centre of Sangin district, Helmand province, on June 10, 2011. Roughly 100,000 US troops are still stationed in Afghanistan as part of a 130,000-strong international force. AFP PHOTO/Claire TRUSCOTT