NC-based Marines deploying to Afghanistan

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — More North Carolina-based Marines are headed to Afghanistan as U.S. and Afghan forces battle a resurgent Taliban.

About 150 of 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment’s 1,000 Marines and sailors are deploying Thursday from Camp Lejeune.

This is a scheduled deployment. Officials say the unit will be based in Helmand Province and will help train and mentor Afghan soldiers.

Camp Lejeune Marines started deploying last year to Afghanistan as part of a surge of forces to the central Asian country.

In the last few months, the Taliban has ramped up attacks against troops. So far, June is on pace to be one of the deadliest months for international forces in Afghanistan this year, with 44 deaths.

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