The Obama administration has decided to alter the rules of engagement for US air power in Afghanistan. Under the previous rules, US support could be called in if: 1) US troops were in danger; 2) the intended target was connected to Al Qaeda; or 3) Afghan forces were in danger of being routed by the Taliban.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the new rules being introduced will allow for more proactive US air strikes on Taliban positions. They will also broaden the circumstances under which US ground forces can accompany Afghan forces on missions against the Taliban.

The previous rules had been in place since 2015.

The change comes after months of debate between Obama administration officials, who would like to see the president’s ‘legacy policy’ of a full Afghan withdrawal realized, and Pentagon officials who believe that a more active military involvement will be needed if Kabul is to fight back the resurgent Taliban.