U.S. Launches Airstrikes Targeting The Taliban's Opium Production Facilities In Afghanistan

VOA: US Launches Airstrikes in First Operation Targeting Afghan Opium

ISLAMABAD — The United States has launched its first counter-narcotics military offensive in partnership with local allies in Afghanistan to try to deprive the resurgent Taliban of its largest source of funding. The move follows years of criticism that international forces are not doing enough to curb the opium trade.

Speaking in Kabul Monday, General John Nicholson, commander of U.S. troops and NATO’s Resolute Support military mission, shared details of the coalition's first overnight counter-narcotics airstrikes.

He said the bombing campaign destroyed major Taliban narcotics production facilities in Helmand, the main poppy producing southern Afghan province, depriving the insurgent group of major revenues.

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WNU Editor: The Islamic State had oil refineries to finance its wars .... until U.S.air strikes changed that. And now the Taliban ... with their opium production facilities financing its war .... are being targeted by U.S. air strikes. Hmmm .... I see a pattern here.

Update:

href="http://ift.tt/2zXlQM9">U.S. on track to triple bombs dropped on Afghanistan against Taliban (NBC).

More News On The U.S. Launching Airstrikes Targeting The Taliban's Opium Production Facilities In Afghanistan

U.S., Afghan forces strike opium factories to curb Taliban funds -- Reuters
US hits Taliban drug labs in Afghanistan under new strategy -- ABC News/AP
US hits 'Taliban where it hurts' by striking drug labs -- AFP
US Airstrikes in Afghanistan Take Aim at Taliban Opium Labs -- New York Times
US, Afghan aircraft target Taliban's poppy facilities -- UPI
Drug Labs Used By The Taliban In Afghanistan Are Now A US Target After Trump Authorizes Strikes -- Newsweek
U.S. Strikes Taliban Drug Facilities in Strategy Shift to Target Revenue Sources -- Washington Free Beacon
Strikes on Taliban opium facilities first major use of new bombing authorities in Afghanistan -- Stars and Stripes
US, Afghan Forces Target Taliban Drug Labs, Hit 'Where it Hurts' -- Department of Defense