The US forces conducted an airstrike against Taliban fighters in Nahr-e Saraj, a district of the southern province of Helmand on Wednesday, a spokesman for US Forces in Afghanistan Col Sonny Leggett tweeted on Wednesday.
The airstrike is the first in 11 days, said Leggett. All sides had agreed to a Reduction in Violence (RIV) plan starting on February 22 that was aimed to create conditions for peace and a permanent ceasefire.
But on Monday the Taliban announced the resumption of their military offensive and increased their attacks on the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces in multiple fronts across the country.
“The US conducted an airstrike on March 4 against Taliban fighters in Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand, who were actively attacking an ANDSF checkpoint. This was a defensive strike to disrupt the attack. This was our first strike against the Taliban in 11 days,” USFOR-A Spokesman Col Sonny Leggett tweeted.
The US forces have also called on the Taliban to reduce violence and deliver on the promises.
“Taliban leadership promised the int’l 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,” said US Forces Col. Sonny Leggett said.
“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 opportunity and ignoring the will of the people for peace,” said US Forces in Afghanistan Spokesperson Col. Sonny Leggett.
This comes amid reports that the Taliban have increased their attacks on Afghan forces in Kunduz, Helmand, Zabul and Kandahar provinces.
