Afghanistan, January 2011

Traditionally, fighting slows in the middle of Afghan winters as opposing sides dig in to establish gains already made or make plans to retake losses. This winter, coalition troops are working to solidify positions in former Taliban strongholds in southern Afghanistan, holding ground and working with locals. Meanwhile the Taliban continues its campaign of sporadic attacks, and steps up efforts to create a sort of shadow government in parts of eastern Afghanistan. Though conflicts were light last month, 32 coalition troops still lost their lives. Collected here are images of Afghanistan and the continued conflict there during the month of January.