Nato vows to step up fight against Taliban

NATO forces said yesterday it would not let up the fight against Taliban insurgents during the Afghan winter and co-ordinated operations with the Pakistani army would likely hamper the militants’ traditional rest from combat.

Violence rose in eastern Afghanistan in the spring and summer this year as ceasefires between Pakistan and militants on its side of the border gave insurgents more freedom to attack international forces on the Afghan side.

But as those peace deals have broken down and the Pakistani army has gone on the offensive, Nato-led forces see the winter months as an opportunity to apply pressure on the militants.