September was sort of a high water mark for the war in Afghanistan, at least compared to other recent months. It was incredibly destructive, to be sure, but after the massive violence in August’s run-up to the election, it was the first month in awhile that hadn’t broken records for death toll. But as eight US soldiers were slain today in a series of IED attacks across Southern Afghanistan, the month of October surpassed August, which saw 51 US troops killed, and the current month’s record toll is 55 (with several days left).
Today’s deaths come just a day after 14 other Americans (11 of them soldiers) were killed and three US helicopters were downed in Afghanistan. The US has now lost over 900 soldiers in Afghanistan since the war began.
With winter looming large and some parts of the country already impassable, October will likely stand as the deadliest month for US forces at least until next spring, though the November 7 election will likely be violence-ridden as well. By spring of 2010 the Obama Administration’s planned escalation, whatever it may be, will likely also be in full swing, making next year likely all the deadlier for American forces.