Afghan Insurgents Attack French 50 Kilometers From Kabul

French forces in Afghanistan have suffered one of the biggest single day losses in the conflict’s history, losing ten soldiers and suffering 21 additional casualties in a single engagement. The soldiers were ambushed by insurgents a mere 50 kilometers from Kabul, solidifying concerns that insurgents are closing in on the capital.

France’s President, Nicolas Sarkozy, plans to travel to Afghanistan to reassure French forces, insisting that French participation in the mission will continue. Meanwhile, in France, two thirds of the population remains opposed to French involvement in Afghanistan.

From a Canadian perspective, given the size of Canada’s contingent as compared to those of other nations involved, Canada has suffered the highest mortality rate.