“With more than two-thirds of Afghanistan under their control, the Taliban’s rapid surge continues as US troops prepare to withdraw.”
The Taliban’s relentless offensive across Afghanistan surged forward on Friday, as the insurgents captured four additional provincial capitals, bringing them closer to Kabul. Following the fall of Kandahar and Herat on Thursday, the insurgents now control more than two-thirds of the country, while the Afghan government appears increasingly disorganized, with reports suggesting that the vice president has fled.
As the Taliban’s momentum grows, the capital, Kabul, is expected to come under increasing pressure within 30 days, according to US military intelligence. The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with the insurgents solidifying their control in both the north and south of the country, including their stronghold in the Pashtun-majority areas.
The Taliban has already taken control of cities such as Lashkar Gah in Helmand, Qalat in Zabul, Tarin Kot in Uruzgan, and Firuz Koh in Ghor, as they follow a clear pattern of military success over the past week. The speed of their conquest has raised fears of a complete takeover of Afghanistan in the coming months, just as the US prepares to finalize its troop withdrawal.
