US soldiers from the Charlie Company, 2-87 Infantry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team and Afghan National Army conduct joint patrol at Kandalay village in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar on August 8, 2011 while US troops launched missile attacks on Taliban targets in nearby Kelawai village killing at least three and capturing two insurgents. US forces push their counterinsurgency efforts to battle for the hearts and minds of the local population. AFP PHOTO / ROMEO GACAD