US Troops Can Now Call Fire in Support of Afghan Forces

Pentagon announced that according to the new rules of engagement US forces are now allowed to call fire to support Afghan troops.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — New rules of engagement for Afghanistan allow US troops to call fire in support of Afghan forces, Joint Staff Director Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie told reporters on Thursday.

"Today, the [rules of engagement] that our forces apply in Afghanistan give them all the authority they need to execute the tasks that they have been given, that includes the ability to call fire when necessary in support of Afghan forces," McKenzie said at a press briefing at the Pentagon.

Earlier, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announced the move to "lift restrictions and expand authorities" on and of US operations in Afghanistan.

Local troops in Afghanistan were typically more successful in battle when assisted by NATO or US advisers, according to Mattis — units with such support "win" while those without "often do not," he said.