The newspaper quoted General Kenneth F. McKenzie, chief of the US Central Command, who denied committing to ending his country’s last military card against the Taliban: air strikes.

According to The New York Times, August 31 was the date previously set as the deadline for the attacks.

The recent advance of insurgents on Afghan territory means taking over half the country’s districts, and is now threatening the main cities.

A series of air strikes conducted by the United States last week proved to the insurgents that the US military is still a formidable threat on the battlefield, despite the nearly complete withdrawal of troops from the country.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III told journalists recently that following next August, the US military will focus on attacks against Al Qaeda and the Islamic State.

The Pentagon has important air assets in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East, from where combat sorties are being conducted currently.

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