18-hour assault on Afghan capital, three other cities carried out by Haqqani, reports say

An 18-hour assault on the Afghan capital and three other cities were carried out by the Haqqani network, a group of lethal fighters with ties to the Taliban and al-Qaeda, reported a top Afghan security official on Monday. During the 18-hour attacks, 36 insurgents, 8 policemen, and 3 civilians were killed, proving that militants continue to penetrate Afghanistan security after 10 years of war, said Interior Minister Besmillah Mohammadi.

The assault was the most widespread attack in the Afghan capital since an assault on the U.S. Embassy and NATO headquarters last September; an assault also carried out by the Haqqani network, which is based in Pakistan and commands the loyalties of roughly 10,000 fighters. The violence in Afghanistan illustrated that the Taliban and their allies are far from beaten and underscored the security challenge facing government forces as NATO and U.S. forces draw down. The majority of international combat troops are due to leave the country by the end of 2014. U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker said Sunday’s attacks showed why the U.S. should not try to hasten the exit from Afghanistan. He said, “To get out before the Afghans have a full grip on security, which is a couple years out, would be to invite the Taliban, Haqqani and al Qaeda back in and set the stage for another 9/11.”