WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Rohrabacher and Hunter stressed that Washington should provide the Afghan army with aviation support to conduct reconnaissance, medical evacuations, resupply missions and close air support.
"With proper leadership and adequate support, the ANA is capable of defeating the Taliban insurgency. Unfortunately, because of the inflexibility of our military leaders, it seems, we are not able to provide them the support they need — especially support to the Afghan Air Force (AAF)," the lawmakers stated on Monday.
The representatives proposed a $250 million package that would include military aircraft being retired by various countries, procured through private contractors, and following Afghan rules of engagement.
Without US support, the representatives noted that Afghanistan could seek support from Russia and other nations to effectively fight the Taliban.
Last month, US President Barack Obama announced he would leave 8,400 troops in Afghanistan by the end of his term in office instead of his original plan to leave 5,500 soldiers.
