KABUL, 07 May, 2021 (TON): The US military has deployed more heavy bombers and fighter jets to protect withdrawing American and coalition troops from Afghanistan, which have so far sustained no direct attacks, the Pentagon said Thursday.

"Less than one week in, the drawdown is going according to plan," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said while talking to reporters.

Pentagon Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley said that to defend the departing troops, six B-52 long range bombers and 12 F-18 fighters have been ordered to supply contingency support.

He added that while the Taliban insurgents groups launch between 80 and 120 attacks every day against Afghan government targets, since the withdrawal began on May 1 "there have been no attacks against US and coalition forces."

Austin and Milley underscored that although the US continues to work closely with the Afghan security forces, the relationship will shift with the pull-out.

US support will continue via funding and "over the horizon logistics" -- military support from US bases and ships located hundreds of miles away, Austin said.

Milley stressed that, amid widespread expectations that the Taliban could seize power from the government in the wake of the US pullout, the demise of Afghan forces should not be presumed.

"The Afghan National Security Forces and the Government of Afghanistan at this time remain cohesive," Milley said. "The president of the United States' intent is to support both."

The military of the United States has formally begun its withdrawal from Afghanistan after almost 20 years in the country.

Last month, US President Joe Biden ordered the final withdrawal of 2,500 US service members and 16,000 civilian contractors.