The three Mi-35 multi-role helicopters donated by India to Afghanistan would help counter the Taliban, a top US commander has said. The outgoing commander of the US forces in Afghanistan, General John Campbell, said yesterday, the Afghan security agencies had been asking for close-air support.

Responding to a question, he said, Taliban has taken advantage of reduction of the number of coalition aircraft. He also indicated that if the situation in Afghanistan does not improve, the US would stay there for longer term.