A soldier taking part in a US marine security patrol smiles while passing two boys playing on the ground.

A US military Bell Boeing Osprey tiltrotor aircraft takes off from Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province.

Female police officers training with Kalashnikov rifles. NATO defence ministers have approved a mission to train the Afghan police in paramilitary skills in a bid to cut the force's soaring death rate...

A Northern Alliance fighter guards Taliban prisoners held in a shipping container.

Troops loyal to Commander Massoud travel in an armoured vehicle towards the frontline in order to confront the Taliban.

Troops loyal to Commander Massoud guard the front line against the Taliban.

A boy shoots with an AK47 at Pul-e-Charkhi prison, notorious for the cruel treatment of detainees and prison riots.

A mujahideen fighter offers prayers.

A mujahideen fighter silhouetted against a building in Zurmat, a town where following Russian (Soviet) bombings, the population has fled leaving only the mujahideen willing to enter the ghost town.

Women fleeing with their children from Charikar where there was fighting between the Taliban and forces led by Ahmad Shah Massoud.

A mujahideen fighter from the group of Commander Amin Wardak.

A mujahedin fighter sits near village children.

A French military convoy in the Sorobi region.

A defense post on the heights of the city.

Taliban fighters in front of the destroyed Darum Aman Palace.