US military lifts ban on Afghan airline

Kabul: The US military says it`s lifting its ban on an Afghan airline blacklisted after allegations that the carrier was being used for drug smuggling.

A military statement released late yesterday says it would continue to allow Kam Air to work on US military contracts while the Afghan government conducts its own investigation of the airline.

The suspension last month came after the US military found evidence that opium was being smuggled on Kam Air flights.

The ban rankled many in the Afghan government at a particularly sensitive time in negotiations for a long-term agreement for US forces in the country.

The US military says it will consider what steps should be taken after the Afghan government completes its investigation.

PTI