The United States carried out an airstrike against the Taliban in Afghanistan on Wednesday after President Donald Trump bragged about his “great talks” with the group’s leader, CNN reports.
The Taliban resumed attacks on Afghan soldiers despite signing a peace agreement with the United States in Qatar last weekend.
"The US conducted an airstrike Wednesday against Taliban fighters in Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand, who were actively attacking an #ANDSF checkpoint. This was a defensive strike to disrupt the attack. This was our 1st strike against the Taliban in 11 days," US Forces in Afghanistan Spokesman Col. Sonny Leggett said on Twitter.
"On March 3rd alone, the Taliban conducted 43 attacks on #ANDSF checkpoints in #Helmand. The Taliban claim to be fighting to free Afg. from int'l forces, the Feb 29 agreement provides a conditions-based path to withdrawal,” he added.
Strike comes after Trump call:
Trump had a call with Taliban leaders on Tuesday and praised the discussions to reporters.
Trump said he "had a very good talk with the leader of the Taliban" and that they "have agreed there is no violence, don't want violence."
"We will see what happens. They're dealing with Afghanistan but we will see what happens," Trump said.
Violence resumes despite peace pact:
Trump’s comments and the renewed attacks came after the US and the Taliban signed a deal in which the US agreed to withdraw forces and begin negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
The signing came after a weeklong "reduction in violence."
Leggett said that Taliban leaders "promised the (international) community they would reduce violence and not increase attacks."
"We call on the Taliban to stop needless attacks and uphold their commitments. As we have demonstrated, we will defend our partners when required," he said, adding that the US has a responsibility to defend our (Afghan National Defense and Security Forces) partners."
