US ‘will continue airstrikes in support of Afghan forces’

The US will continue airstrikes in support of Afghan forces fighting the Taliban, a top US general said, as the insurgents press on with offensives across the country, AFP reported.

Since early May, violence has surged after the insurgents launched a sweeping assault just days after the US-led foreign forces began their final withdrawal which is now almost complete.

The Taliban’s deadly assault has seen the insurgents capture scores of districts, border crossings and encircle several provincial capitals.

“The United States has increased air strikes in the support of Afghan forces over the last several days, and we are prepared to continue this heightened level of support in the coming weeks if the Taliban continue their attacks,” Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, head of the US Army Central Command, said in Kabul.

McKenzie acknowledged that there were tough days ahead for the Afghan government, according to AFP.

“The Taliban are attempting to create a sense of inevitability about their campaign. They are wrong,” he said.

“Taliban victory is not inevitable,” he said, adding the US military will continue giving logistical support to Afghan air force even after the end of August 31 when all foreign forces are expected to leave.

“We will continue to support the Afghan forces even after that August 31 date, it will generally be from over the horizon,” McKenzie said.

Experts say a key factor that helped the Taliban in seizing vast swath of territory in a short time was the lack of regular air support from US forces to Afghan troops.