No Spring-Time Taliban Surge In Northern Afghanistan, Reports Brig. General

Although the Taliban usually increases their presence in the Spring, Army Brig. Gen. Sean Mulholland, the Deputy Regional Commander in the North, told reporters Thursday that he has yet to witness any seasonal surge in Taliban fighters this year.

“We haven’t seen the influx of the Taliban since the weather has gotten warmer in [regional command] North as we have anticipated,” Mullholland said during a satellite briefing from Afghanistan.

Mullholland added that 12 Taliban leaders have actually left the region and returned to Pakistan.

However, there are still indications that the Taliban is continuing to carry out their usual Spring-time offensive throughout the country. Earlier this week, the Taliban claimed responsibility for a shooting within the Afghan Defense Ministry’s building. It followed three additional attacks in government installations within a period of two weeks.