New questions about U.S. Defense Department task force in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Department of Defense officials in Afghanistan spent nearly $150 million (100 million pounds) on private “villas,” even though they could have saved millions of dollars by staying at bases, a U.S. government watchdog said.

In a letter to Defense Secretary Ash Carter dated Nov. 25, Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) John Sopko said employees for the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO) were not only provided with furnished houses, but also hired contractors for security and food services.