Pentagon Sends Reinforcements For Afghan Pullout
May 07, 2021
Share
share
Print
The Pentagon has deployed more heavy bombers and fighter jets to ensure the protection of the withdrawing U.S. and coalition troops from Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters on May 6.
"Less than one week in, the drawdown is going according to plan," Austin told reporters, adding that the international forces have sustained no direct attacks so far.
Pentagon Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley said that to defend the departing troops, six B-52 long range bombers and 12 F-18 fighters have been ordered for contingency support.
Austin and Milley's statements came as Taliban attacks on the government forces continued to escalate throughout Afghanistan amid the ongoing international pullout.