Obama Expands Scope of US Mission in Afghanistan
Published at(WASHINGTON) — A U.S. official confirmed to ABC News on Saturday that President Obama signed an executive order expanding the scope of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan beyond what had been initially planned.
As part of the order, U.S. troops will be allowed to target Taliban forces that threaten U.S. troops within Afghanistan or that provide support to al-Qaeda. Originally, the 9,800 U.S. troops staying in Afghanistan were expected to be involved in training.
The order will also allow American aircraft to provide air support for Afghan troops on combat missions.
The ongoing combat mission is slated to end on Dec. 31.
According to the New York Times, the new name for the mission in Afghanistan will be Operation Resolute Support.
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