US casualties in the war in Afghanistan: 800 dead and 4,139 wounded

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Of the American deaths, more than 600 have died in hostile action.

Some reports have put the number of U.S. deaths at 800, it should be noted that reported number is by four higher than the DoD's tally which is 796.

As of October 5, 2009, 4,139 American soldiers have been wounded in action in Afghanistan, with 2,500 not returning to duty.

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Afghan war at 8

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The fighting in Afghanistan marked its eighth anniversary Wednesday.

On Oct. 7, 2001, U.S.-led forces invaded Afghanistan to dislodge the ruling Taliban.

The underlying cause of the military action was to punish the Taliban for providing haven to al-Qaida leaders, including Osama bin Laden, who supposedly ordered the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

U.S. President Barack Obama met with congressional leaders Tuesday to discuss strategy for the next phase of the war. Some Democrats say the United States should consider cutting back troop deployment, a move Obama says he's against.

It is believed military commanders are requesting an additional 40,000 troops to augment the 68,000 the administration has committed to the fighting.

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