The United States carried out an airstrike against Taliban fighters in southern Helmand province on Wednesday, US military said, as the group increased attacks on Afghan forces despite signing a deal with Washington.
The strike happened in Nahr-e Saraj district, targeting Taliban fighters who were actively attacking an Afghan forces checkpoint, said Sonny Leggett, a spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan.
He said that the Taliban leadership promised the int’l community they would reduce violence and not increase attacks.
On Tuesday alone, the Taliban conducted 43 attacks on Afghan forces checkpoints in Helmand, Leggett said.
“The Taliban claim to be fighting to free Afghanistan from int’l forces, the Feb 29 agreement provides a conditions-based path to withdrawal,” Leggett said.
“We call on the Taliban to stop needless attacks and uphold their commitments. As we have demonstrated, we will defend our partners when required.”
“To be clear- we are committed to peace, however we have the responsibility to defend our ANDSF partners. Afghans and US have complied with our agreements; however, Talibs appear intent on squandering this opp. and ignoring the will of the people for peace,” he said.
