The US carried out air strikes as it backed the Afghan Army's attempts to repel a Taliban offensive, the Pentagon said on Thursday, with the withdrawal of international forces from the country all but complete.
“In the last several days, we have acted through air strikes to support to the [Afghan National Security Forces]," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.
“We continue to … conduct air strikes in support” of the Afghan military, he told reporters at a press briefing, and added that the head of the US Army Central Command (Centcom), Gen Kenneth McKenzie, had authorised the strike.
Mr Kirby said he could not provide details on the air strikes, but echoed Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's Wednesday statement that the US remains “committed to helping the Afghan security forces and the Afghan government going forward".
US air power has long provided Afghan forces with a tactical advantage over the Taliban ——one that many fear will be eroded by the withdrawal of international troops, though Afghanistan's own fledgling air force is flying into the breach.
Also on Wednesday, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Mark Milley, acknowledged the Taliban regime now control about half of Afghanistan's roughly 400 districts, but added they had taken none of the country's densely populated main cities.
He said the US withdrawal, set to be finished by August 31, is now 95 per cent complete.
The resurgent militants have pressed a sweeping offensive against government forces since May amid the withdrawal of the US-led foreign forces.
A Taliban spokesman on Thursday told Russian media that the group now controlled 90 per cent of Afghanistan's borders, but the claim could not be independently verified. The militants are known to exaggerate their battlefield claims.
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
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W - N Forest, 3-0
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
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