Afghan National Army soldiers keep watch at a checkpoint in Logar province, Afghanistan, Feb. 16, 2016. Afghan forces and U.S. airstrikes targeted ISIS fighters Tuesday. PHOTO: REUTERS/OMAR SOBHANI
New York Times: U.S. Steps Up Airstrikes Against ISIS After It Gains Territory in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON — The United States has significantly intensified its bombing campaign in Afghanistan in the past two months as part of President Obama’s widening war against the Islamic State militants who have seized territory outside of Iraq and Syria, according to senior military commanders.
American drones and fighter jets dropped 251 bombs and missiles in January and February in Afghanistan, more than three times the strikes in the same period last year, according to data compiled by the Air Force.
The strikes came in response to a decision by Mr. Obama around the beginning of the year that gave the military more leeway to launch attacks on Islamic State militants who had gained control over territory in several provinces, including areas in the Tora Bora region, where Osama bin Laden once took refuge.
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Update: US Air Force dropped 251 bombs, missiles in two months in Afghanistan (Khaama Press)
WNU Editor: With the Islamic State continuing to gain ground in Afghanistan, I guess this claim was slightly premature .... Afghan president: ISIS being wiped out in Afghanistan (AP).
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