Continuing airstrikes are a high probability.
The top general in the U.S. Central Command will not commit to a military cessation of airstrikes against the Taliban.
General Kenneth McKenzie, who is overseeing operations in Afghanistan, said that “logistical support” would continue past the deadline of withdrawal. “I’m just not going to be able to comment about the future of U.S. airstrikes after the August 31st deadline,” he said.
“For the days and weeks ahead, we will continue with our airstrikes in support of our Afghan partners, and that’s all I’ll be able to give you,” the general said. “We’re taking airstrikes as we need to take them. We’re still carrying them out. I think we’re having [a] good effect in support of Afghan forces that are engaged in close fighting with the Taliban.”
“I believe that the singular advantage the government of Afghanistan has right now in the fight they’re in is their Air Force. So we will do everything in our power to keep that Air Force effective flying and in support of their forces,” General McKenzie said. “We spent a lot of time training them. Now is their moment, now is the time for that very stern test that I noted earlier they’re going to face. I think they have the resources and the capability to actually conduct that fight and win it.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the U.S. officials weighing the amount of support required to assist Afghan allies.
- For negotiators and diplomats dealing with the Taliban and any necessary response to broken peace agreements.
- For Afghan forces as they seek to restrict terrorist activity in the region.
- For peace for the people of Afghanistan.
Sources: Washington Examiner, CBS News
