Obama to allow more expansive role for U.S. army in Afghanistan post 2015 pullout

United States President Barack Obama has decided to authorize a more expansive role of the U.S. army in Afghanistan in 2015 as opposed to the original plans.

According to the New York Times, U.S. troops would have a direct role in battling in the war torn country for at least one year.

According to several administrations, military and congressional officials with knowledge of the President's decision, Obama's orders would allow the American forces to carry operations against the Taliban and other militants groups that threaten the U.S. or the Afghan government.

The new plan also allows American jets, bombers and drones to support Afghan troops on combat missions.

Obama earlier announced in the White House in May that American military would have no combat role in Afghanistan next year and that the missions for the 9,800 troops remaining in the country would be limited to training Afghan forces.