Airstrikes to continue: US

KABUL (Pajhwok): A senior American general says the US military will continue airstrikes in support of Afghan forces in fight against the Taliban. Central Command chief Gen. Kenneth McKenzie held out the assurance amid escalating Taliban attacks across the country.

“The US has increased airstrikes in the support of Afghan forces over the last several days, and we will continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if Taliban attacks persist,” he promised. McKenzie, speaking to reporters, warned the Afghan government would face tough days ahead, as foreign troops are set to complete the withdrawal process.

The general blamed Taliban insurgents for trying to create what he called a sense of inevitability about their campaign. “But they are wrong,” he hastened to add. McKenzie insisted: “Taliban victory is not inevitable” as the US would keep providing logistical support to the Afghan Air Force.

Even after their exit, the US military would support the Afghan Air and, he explained, saying they would retain the ability to target ISIS and al Qaeda in Afghanistan. He rejected the narrative of a possible civil war in the war-hit country. He confirmed the US had conducted airstrikes in Kandahar.