US Airstrikes Target Taliban as Fighting Intensifies

The United States is making good on its pledge to support Afghanistan's security forces with military force even as U.S. and coalition troops continue to leave the country.  #Afghanistan: Fighting around Lashkar Gah city, #Helmand province, increased significantly on 3 May."Our medical teams treated 53 war-wounded patients on 3 & 4 May," Sarah Leahy, MSF project coordinator at Boost Provincial Hospital. pic.twitter.com/OI6aUDL90e Terrorists will not be safe anywhere!Afghan Air Forces airstrikes on terrorist positions and strongholds. pic.twitter.com/oj7mi3ZgS5

A U.S. official confirmed to VOA late Wednesday that U.S. forces were actively carrying out airstrikes against Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, where fierce fighting has raged for days.  The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, declined to share additional details, citing the need for operational security.  The Pentagon also declined to offer specifics, though a spokesman said that "there's still quite a bit of robust capability" at the disposal of U.S. commanders on the ground.