Current restrictions on U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan and a heavy reliance on civilian contractors are eroding the skills and cohesion of units deployed to the country, according to information from the Army given to the House Armed Services Committee and provided to The Washington Post. – Washington Post’s Checkpoint
The Taliban's selection of little-known cleric Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada as its new leader has essentially ended any hopes of peace talks with the Afghan militant group for the foreseeable future, U.S. officials said Wednesday. – Washington Times
The U.S. military says Afghan security forces are back on the offensive and are gaining momentum a year after a resurgent Taliban knocked government troops back on their heels. – Washington Examiner
The Afghan government is investigating reports that the Taliban beheaded two hostages being held in northern Kunduz province Wednesday, hours after several of the hostages gained their freedom. – Stars and Stripes
The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan is sending his recommendations to senior leaders this week on how many American troops should remain in the country next year to work with Afghan forces battling a resurgent Taliban, a military spokesman said Wednesday. – Associated Press