But the number keeps rising as American military and intelligence officials continue interviewing thousands of prisoners held by anti-Taliban militias.

And in early June, after I left, a huge explosion killed at least 39 people, including several members of an anti-Taliban militia.

When anti-Taliban militias occupied Kandahar last weekend they discovered more than 1,800 prisoners in the notorious prison for "political crimes."

The men had internal injuries and broken bones, suffered in the American bombardment or in the battles against advancing anti-Taliban militias.

The militant group pledged more such attacks for the future unless these particular anti-Taliban militias dibanded.

And some of the threats even emanate from what are supposed to be cooperating anti-Taliban militias.

The Jamrud bomb was detonated at a bus terminal and targeted members of an anti-Taliban militia, according to local officials.

That does not mean anti-Taliban militias in the north will be ignored, General Franks said.

They volunteered to fight with the Taliban, walk over the mountains and into the gun sites of the anti-Taliban militias who now rule this region.

Throughout the campaign, Army Special Forces soldiers have worked closely with the anti-Taliban militia, providing weapons, coordinating battle strategy and calling in airstrikes.