Washington To Announce Escalation as Largest US Base Attacked

Flash - Gunmen kill eight Afghan guards at largest US base - France 24: 

Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces, who are struggling to contain the Taliban's nationwide offensive. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground.
US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as advisers and not on the front line.