According to reports, the United States is considering sending drones or warplanes into an extraordinary crisis following the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The United States is considering intervening with drones or warplanes in case major Afghan cities run the risk of falling into the hands of the Taliban, the New York Times reported.
The report arrives as the US continues withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, with the Pentagon expected to conclude the withdrawal in early July, well before the 9/11 deadline. A NATO-led coalition is also withdrawing its troops from the country.
Since Biden announced the withdrawal of troops in April, U.S. military officers have done so. he repeatedly raised concerns on the effect this move will have on Afghan security forces in their ongoing fight against the Taliban, which was overthrown from power when foreign forces intervened in 2001, but continues to control large swathes of the country.
Of particular concern has been the planned end of U.S. air support, which has been credited with giving Afghan forces a tactical advantage over the Taliban.
On Wednesday, The New York Times reported that officials are weighing the option of sending warplanes in what the newspaper described as “an extraordinary crisis,” such as the impending collapse of the Afghan capital Kabul.
This intervention would require the approval of the presidency, officials told the newspaper. They added that it would be difficult to maintain attacks for a long period of time, as the U.S. would abandon all air bases in Afghanistan and would likely launch operations from U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf.
The report comes as the Biden administration faces outstanding questions about its future approach to the rooted conflict following its withdrawal before a meeting with NATO allies next week.
While pledged to support the Afghan government through aid and diplomatic efforts, U.S. officials had previously said it would launch future military attacks in the country only as part of “counterterrorism” operations if there is a direct threat to USA.
However, officials told the newspaper that there has been a renewed debate over what would pose a direct threat to the United States.
