2008 Surge
With the situation deteriorating the United States and its allies increased the number of troops in Afghanistan. The US added 21,643 troops in early 2008 bringing the total number of troops to 48,250. The increase seemed to have little impact. The Taliban carried out a daring raid on June 13th when the liberated all of the prisoners in Kandahar jail freeing 400 Taliban fighters and 800 other prisoners. 2008 was the most deadly month for US troops to date with 113 servicemen and women losing their lives.