More foreign fighters inside Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Afghanistan’s defense minister says more foreign fighters are entering his nation from Pakistan than in 2001 when international forces ousted the Taliban.

Speaking to the Washington Times Wednesday, Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak said there was an increase in militants crossing the border with Pakistan after the military there launched an offensive against pro-Taliban factions operating along the border between the two countries.

Wardak said the majority of foreign fighters came from Pakistan, but noted that others were from Central Asia, Russia and Chechnya, the Times said.

Wardak met with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney Tuesday seeking increased assistance for the Afghan National Army.

He noted that the army's capabilities were being tested, stating that foreign fighters are “relying heavily on improvised explosive devices and suicide bombings, which in some cases, has stretched our capabilities to its limits.�

Wardak said the more Afghanistan is able to respond independently, the less the international community will be asked to shoulder the responsibility.