Forward Operating Base Gardez is historically significant ground.

To the north stand three watch towers built by Alexander the Great almost 2,500 years ago. To the southwest, a five-minute ride by helicopter ride away, the first engagement took place between the Taliban and conventional forces in March of 2002.

During Operation Anaconda, elements of the 101st Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division, special operations forces and Afghan allies, engaged the Taliban and al-Qaeda in a vicious ground battle that lasted two weeks.

NATO says a British soldier has been killed in Afghanistan by a suspected member of the Afghan National Army.

A NATO spokesman, Brigadier General Gunter Katz, says the shooter turned his gun on international troops at a base in southern Helmand province and opened fire.

General Katz says the attacker was shot in the incident. Local officials say several British troops were wounded in the attack.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for Monday's shooting. A spokesman said in an email to Western media outlets the attack was carried out by a militant "infiltrator."

During a security operation in Washer district, Helmand province, yesterday, an Afghan and coalition force killed the Taliban leader, Mohammad Sayed, and one other insurgent.

Mohammad Sayed distributed weapons and ammunition to Taliban fighters. Prior to his death, Sayed was attempting to acquire rockets for attacks targeting Afghan government officials in the province.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

The Afghan Uniformed Police force continues to grow day-by-day with fresh, young, and idealistic cadets hitting the streets and protecting the civilian population of Afghanistan.

However, first they must learn the in's and out's of being an AUP officer at police academies throughout Afghanistan. At the Kabul Police Academy, they have a course for non-commissioned officers that runs approximately six months and officer courses that last approximately four years.

What would you consider a defining moment in your life? Would it be the moment something good or bad happens? Well, just imagine this: you are on a foot patrol, carefully scanning with your head on swivel, and your soldiers are following behind you. Then "BOOM!" everything is changed in an instant.

That’s what happened to Staff Sgt. Steven Wentzell less than two years ago in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

To prepare Afghan forces to take over security duties after the 2014 NATO withdrawal, Combined Joint Task Force Paladin continues training its international partners on counter-improvised explosive device methods through its explosive hazard reduction course.

On Jan. 3, there were 29 Afghan National Army soldiers, Afghan Uniform Police officers, and Afghan special forces commandos that received diplomas during a joint graduation ceremony.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Thompson congratulated the graduates on behalf of Maj. Gen. Robert “Abe” Abrams, commander, ISAF Regional Command - South.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested the senior Taliban leader in Nad ‘Ali district during a security operation in Now Zad district, Helmand province, Jan. 6.

The leader provided operational guidance to Taliban insurgents in Nad ‘Ali district and acquired and distributed homemade explosives, weapons and ammunition to suicide bombers.

The security force also detained several suspected insurgents and seized multiple firearms as a result of the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

The bulk fuel team spent the day downloading over 10,000 gallons of fuel. That’s over 250 barrels or about enough to fill an above-ground pool. This may seem like a tall order but it was just business as usual to this well-oiled team from Combat Logistics Battalion-2, Combat Logistics Regiment-15.

“These guys are some of the best fuel Marines we have,” said Col. Stephen D. Sklenka, commanding officer, CLR-15. “They really run this operation well.”

As each day passes, the Afghan National Army is adding to its capabilities. This progress is significant in building a security force that can provide stability for its people and future.

The development is becoming increasingly evident at Camp Parsa, Afghanistan. The modern training facility of the ANA is an example of the ever-growing force they're becoming.