JALALABAD, Afghanistan - Afghan soldier Mehrullah Safi's military career ended in southern Helmand province last year when a rocket-propelled grenade exploded next to him, severing his right leg. Now he sells mobile telephone cards in the street.

Tens of thousands of Afghan troops have been disabled in the 16 years since a United States-led campaign ousted the Taliban in 2001. In city streets and marketplaces all over the country, they offer a stark reminder of the human cost of the war.

"It was the worst day of my life," Safi, a former army lieutenant, said.