US launches first airstrikes against Afghan Taliban

Kabul, Jun 24: The US military has launched its first airstrikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan since President Barack Obama's decision to expand America's involvement against the insurgents.

Two US officials confirmed today to The Associated Press that the airstrikes began this month but wouldn't elaborate on their outcome.

US military spokesman in Kabul, Brig Gen Charles Cleveland, says US forces "have conducted a limited number of strikes under these new authorities.

" He says the strikes "are only being used where they may help the Afghans achieve a strategic effect."

Obama's decision gave the US military wider latitude to support Afghan forces, both in the air and on the ground Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt Jeff Davis, said the expanded US military authorities have been in effect "for about the last week or so."

AP