The current operation, he said, was "substantially symbolic".
American officials said a significant number of the Americans had been active in the current operation.
On a recent weekday, the surgical efficiency of the current operation was clear.
They added that the investigation was not disrupting "the current operation of our successful businesses".
France's National Police tweeted Diesel "was killed by terrorists in the current operation in Saint-Denis".
In several interviews, even the most experienced fighter pilots said they felt a rush of pride about the current operation.
Pentagon officials suggested that the Global Hawk could skip its final testing program and join the current operation.
Whatever the durability of the current operation, the Helmand River Valley is not likely to be this war's decisive locus.
Some experts believe that the Kandahar offensive would need to be even bigger than the current operation in Helmand.
The previous operation, they said, involved the dispatch of Israeli troops into refugee camps, raising concerns about civilian casualties, while the current operation was more limited geographically.
The current operation, a handful of mostly young true believers, views her as "a very important part of the campaign," Hammond said.
