In the past month, the U.S. military has carried out six airstrikes targeting the Taliban, with some occurring after the symbolic conclusion of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan marked by the departure ceremony for the former U.S. commander. Defense officials disclosed that two recent strikes in Kandahar targeted stolen military vehicles and equipment, posing a direct threat to Afghan forces as the Taliban seize control of territory and accumulate abandoned Afghan military assets.

Following Army Gen. Scott Miller's departure as commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan on July 12, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie assumed control of the mission, including authority over approving airstrikes. Most of the recent strikes have been executed by unmanned Predator drones operating from remote locations outside Afghanistan.

The U.S. intends to continue supporting Afghan National Security Forces with airstrikes against the Taliban at least until the end of August, coinciding with the official conclusion of the U.S. military mission. However, it remains uncertain whether the Biden administration will extend authorization for airstrikes beyond August, and if so, whether they will exclusively target Al Qaeda or Islamic State militants.