US troops get tough new powers to protect Afghan regime from Taliban

Barack Obama answers plea for help against insurgency from Kabul’s embattled president as state’s casualties escalate

In an apparent nod to much improved ties between Washington and Kabul, US forces fighting in Afghanistan will have extra powers next year to target Taliban fighters and protect the fragile government of new president Ashraf Ghani.

An order from Barack Obama allows American troops to attack insurgents who are threatening their safety or that of Afghan officials, the New York Times and Associated Press have reported. A much narrower mission laid out this spring only allowed US soldiers to train their Afghan counterparts, and fight militants from al-Qaida or other international groups.

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Source Network Front | The Guardian http://ift.tt/1zai9ed

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