Taliban announce start of annual Afghanistan offensive

KABUL, Afghanistan – The Taliban have warned they will officially start their annual "spring offensive" in Afghanistan on Thursday.

Wednesday's announcement comes hours after a brazen attack on a foreigners' housing compound in Kabul that killed seven people shortly after a surprise visit by President Barack Obama.

The offensive comes every year as the country's snows melt, making both travel and fighting easier. It normally leads to a surge of militant attacks throughout the country as the Taliban attempt to retake lost territory and intimidate the Afghan government.