Caught between the promise to end the war in Afghanistan, demands from the Pentagon to carry out the military's mission there, and worries over the possible emergence of another ISIS-like group, President Obama approved guidelines in recent weeks to allow the Pentagon to target Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. The measure broadens previous plans that had limited the military to training and counterterrorism missions against al-Qaeda after 2014.

According to The New York Times, which first reported on the new guidelines after speaking with several administration, military and congressional sources, Obama's order allows American forces to target the Taliban and other militant groups, but only when a clear threat can be determined.

"We will no longer target belligerents solely because they are members of the Taliban," a U.S. official told The New York Times. "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."

The decision, which doesn't change the overall number of U.S. troops that will remain in Afghanistan, includes supporting Afghan troops with American jets, bombers and drones. In May, President Obama announced in the White House Rose Garden that the military would not have a combat role in Afghanistan after 2014. The remaining 9,800 troops would be limited to training Afghan forces and fighting the "remnants of al-Qaeda."