After Obama decision, first US airstrikes hit Afghan Taliban

The U.S. military has launched its first airstrikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan since President Barack Obama's decision to expand America's involvement against the insurgents.

Two U.S. officials confirmed Friday to The Associated Press that the airstrikes began this month but wouldn't elaborate on their outcome.

U.S. military spokesman in Kabul, Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland, says U.S. forces "have conducted a limited number of strikes under these new authorities." He says the strikes "are only being used where they may help the Afghans achieve a strategic effect."

Obama's decision gave the U.S. military wider latitude to support Afghan forces, both in the air and on the ground

Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, said the expanded U.S. military authorities have been in effect "for about the last week or so."

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