The United States has conducted its first airstrike on the Taliban fighters in in Nahr-e Saraj district of southern Helmand Province, according to spokesman for the Resolute Support Mission.

“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 1st strike against the Taliban in 11 days,” USFOR-A Spokesman Col Sonny Leggett wrote on his twitter account.

“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,” he added.

He later added that the US was committed towards peace and stated: ” To be clear- we are committed to peace; however, we have the responsibility to defend our #ANDSF partners. #Afghans & US have complied w/ our agreements; however, Talibs appear intent on squandering this opp. and ignoring the will of the people for #peace. #Showyourcommitment.”

This comes as the United and Taliban signed a peace deal on February 29 to put an end to 18-year war in Afghanistan. However, the Taliban have vowed to continue their attacks on Afghan security forces.

Arezo News – Salimi