American commanders in eastern Afghanistan say that, despite efforts by the Pakistani army just across the border, Taliban gunmen are still hiding out in Pakistan, and coming across the border to raid into Afghanistan.

An Italian foreign aid worker was kidnapped in Kabul. Her kidnappers were criminals, and were trying to get fellow members of their gang, including the gang leader, out of jail. There have not been many kidnappings of foreigners in Afghanistan, and the government has been putting more pressure on criminal gangs. The gangs have been fighting back. 

In southern Afghanistan, soldiers captured fifteen armed Taliban. Better communications, transportation (new Ford four-wheel-drive pickups) and training have made the army more than a match for the groups of Taliban gunmen still operating.