WASHINGTON: The US military this week has launched additional air strikes to support Afghan government forces in their struggle against the Taliban, using conventional single and armed drones, the Pentagon said Tuesday.
The strike, following several conducted last week, showed guiding US support after weeks to the battlefield with the Taliban as US forces resolved their withdrawal.
The aircraft was flown from the base outside Afghanistan because the US military had attracted all its fighter aircraft abroad.
“A number of strikes have occurred over the past few days of a manned and unmanned attack platform,” said Robert Lodewick, said a Pentagon spokesman.
He did not provide further details.
Other officials said air strikes last week targeted the position of the Taliban in the battle and military equipment captured by the Taliban.
General Frank McKenzie, Head of the US Central Command, who oversaw US military withdrawals and made decisions about air support for Afghan forces, said on Sunday that air strikes had increased.
“We are ready to continue this increased level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continues their attack,” McKenzie said.
McKenzie also said the US provides “contract logistics support here in Kabul and over-the-Horizon in the region, funds for them, share intelligence, and advice and help through security consultations at the strategic level.” The Central Command said the withdrawal of US troops was more than 95% complete.
This must be completed on August 31.
Has the US will continue to provide air strikes to support Afghan government forces after the date has not been determined.
The US increases air strikes this week to support Afghan forces
