Press TV

President Barack Obama has secretly signed an order which allows US troops to be involved in combat operations in Afghanistan throughout 2015, a new report says.

The order will authorize American forces to continue their missions against the Taliban and other militant groups, the New York Times reported on Friday.

According to the report, the new authorization will also let US jets, bombers, and drones be used to aid ground troops.

The Times said an administration official said American forces would not carry out "offensive missions" against the Taliban in 2015.

“We will no longer target belligerents solely because they are members of the Taliban,” the official said. “To the extent that Taliban members directly threaten the United States and coalition forces in Afghanistan or provide direct support to Al Qaeda, however, we will take appropriate measures to keep Americans safe.”

Obama’s new decision has been made in recent weeks with his top national security advisors.

Earlier in May, Obama announced that the American military won't have any combat role in Afghanistan next year.

He said nearly 10,000 troops remaining in Afghanistan will only be involved in training Afghan forces.

The US and its allies invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country, despite the presence of thousands of US-led troops.