Operation Enduring Freedom

摘要

As of July 15, a total of 2,245 Americans have died in Operation Enduring Freedom. The total includes 2,242 troops and three Department of Defense civilians. Of these deaths, 1,763 were killed in action with the enemy, while 481 died in noncombat incidents. There have been 18,957 troops wounded in action during OEF. Afghanistan's National Security Forces took the lead in all security missions in mid-June as US and coalition forces continue the transition from a combat to a support role. Such an announcement kick-started the final phase of the transition process, stated a June 18 Pentagon news release. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., commander of US and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan, called the move a "monumental step forward." Speaking to the Afghan people, Dunford said the milestone is "cause for celebration, not apprehension."