Afghan Taliban target U.S. army base as attacks mount

Thick black smoke billows from burning vehicles close to a U.S. military outpost in eastern Afghanistan.

Officials say Taliban fighters attacked the base, run by the International Security Assistance Force, on Monday.

The base itself was not penetrated.

The District Governor described what happened.

(SOUNDBITE) (Pashto) DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF MOMAND DARA, ISA KHAN ZWAK, SAYING:

"The enemies of our country have set fires near the base run by ISAF. The attack was in different locations: the vehicles there were set on fire, and three attackers were fighting near the base, all three of them were killed."

This attack comes less than a week after a Polish base in a nearby province was hit.

There have been increased attacks on Afghan security forces and civilians too this week.

Dozens have been killed, adding to fears the withdrawal of foreign troops, most of whom are due to leave by the end of next year, is allowing insurgents to regain lost terr