Taliban captures eight districts in seven provinces

The Taliban insurgents captured centers of eight districts in the last 24 hours, sources said Saturday.

Local officials told Ariana News that the militants have seized control of Khwaja Sabz Posh and Juma Bazar in Faryab; Meer zaka in Paktia; Muradian in Jawzjan; Barak and Bangi in Takhar; Pusht Koh in Farah; Dara Suf Payan in Samangan; and Bazar Fabrika Qand in Baghlan.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD), however, stated that the Afghan forces would launch clearance operations across the country.

“Strategic, tactical and operational plans would orderly implemented across the country in order to clear the areas from the existence of enemy and the powerful relocation of our forces,” Rohullah Ahmadzai, a spokesman for the MoD said.

Meanwhile, sources said that the Taliban are advancing toward the cities following the collapse of dozens of the districts.

So far, more than 40 districts in 17 provinces were fell to the Taliban since May 1.

“Taliban have reached the outskirts of Maimana (Faryab capital), and ten Humvees, including light and heavy weapons, were seized by the group,” said Abdul Ahad Elbek, a member of Faryab provincial council.

In Takhar, at least 78 members of the Afghan Security and Defense Forces (ANSDF) and members of public uprising forces surrendered to the Taliban due to lack of reinforcement following 30 days of being under siege.