Pentagon ponders airstrikes in support of Afghan forces

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Pentagon is pondering the possibility of conducting airstrikes in support of Afghan forces in case of Taliban’s threat to major cities.

The Biden administration, which planned an end to US air support when troops were pulled out, is said to be rethinking its strategy.

But growing concerns over the consequences of withdrawal had prompted the rethink, The New York Times reported on Wednesday.

With a final decision yet to be taken, talks are underway on what a US response would be if the Taliban threatened the takeover of a major city, especially Kabul.

To ward off possible Taliban threats, the Pentagon is said to be mulling over the use of warplanes or drones to help Afghan security forces.

In April, President Biden announced a completed withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan, ending two decades of conflict.

NYT said the US was unlikely to provide military assistance to Afghan forces for retaking many rural areas that were currently under Taliban control.

PAN monitor/mud