Washington: To target Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, United President Barack Obama had approved guidelines in recent weeks to allow the Pentagon and broaden previous plans that had limited the military to counterterrorism missions against al-Qaida after this year.
The officials on Friday said that the decision of President Obama also allow the military to conduct air support for Afghan operations when needed.
Obama issued the guidelines in recent weeks, as the American combat mission in Afghanistan draws to a close, thousands of troops return home, and the military prepares for narrower counterterrorism and training mission for the next two years.
This move of US President will expand on what had been previously planned for next year. One US official said the military could only go after the Taliban if it posed a threat to American forces or provided direct support to al-Qaida, while the latter could be targeted more indiscriminately.
The official said, “To the extent that Taliban members directly threaten the United States and coalition forces in Afghanistan or provide direct support to al-Qaida, however, we will take appropriate measures to keep Americans safe.”
The new guidelines had been first reported by The New York Times.
Officials confirmed details to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss Obama’s decisions by name.
Bureau Report
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