KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Afghan security forces fought back against a fierce Taliban onslaught by about 800 militants in a key southern province Wednesday as clashes that have killed dozens of people stretched into a fourth day.
The Taliban attacks targeting checkpoints and government buildings in Helmand province — which was touted as a showcase of a major U.S. military offensive to drive out the militants in 2009 — show the stark challenges facing government troops trying to defend the country against the resilient Islamic militants with diminishing help from the international community.
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