Helmand province campaign

Afghan commandos and U.S. air strikes have driven the Taliban to the outskirts of Farah city, officials said on May 16, after a day-long battle to prevent the insurgents from seizing the western provincial capital.

The Taliban control 70% of Afghanistan, according to a study released by the BBC.

Afghan soldiers were responsible for firing mortars at a wedding party that killed 17 women and children, officials said Jan. 1, in a mistaken strike that overshadowed the transfer of nationwide security from NATO forces.
      

Ashraf Ghani was sworn in as the new president of Afghanistan on Sept. 29, taking power as NATO troops end their 13-year war without defeating the fierce Taliban insurgency