In Afghanistan, at least 27 members of the security forces were killed in the Taliban launched multiple attacks on checkpoints as well as police and military bases in different parts of the country. <br />''<br />''<br />''Afghan officials today said the attacks and the high casualty toll reflect the difficulties faced by Afghan forces. <br />''<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The Afghan forces have struggled to combat both the Taliban and an Islamic State affiliate since the US and NATO formally ended their combat mission in the country in 2014.</span>