US conducts raid on Taliban rebels in Helmand

KABUL (Pajhwok): US forces have conducted an airstrike against Taliban militants in the Nahr-i-Saraj district of southern Helmand province on Wednesday, an American military spokesman said on Wednesday.

The USFOR-A spokesman Col. Sonny Leggett tweeted: “Taliban were actively attacking an Afghan forces checkpoint. This was a defensive strike to disrupt the attack. This was our 1st strike against the Taliban in 11 days.”

He said Taliban leadership had promised the international community they would reduce violence and not increase attacks.

“We call on the Taliban to stop needless attacks and uphold their commitments. As we have demonstrated, we will defend our partners when required, he added.

“To be clear, we are committed to peace. However, we have the responsibility to defend our Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANSDF) partners,” the spokesman said.

The Afghans and the US had complied with agreements; but the Taliban appeared intent on squandering the opportunity and ignoring the will of the people for peace, he said.

It was the first attack by US forces on the Taliban after the two sides signed a peace agreement in Doha on February 29.

pk/mds/mud

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