KABUL, Aug 11 (NNN-XINHUA) – Taliban militants entered two provincial capitals in northern Afghan region late yesterday, the latest in their rapid advances, as fighting raged in the Asian country, reported local media today.
“Taliban militants overran Pul-e-Khumri city, capital of northern Baghlan province, and Faizabad city, capital of neighbouring Badakhshan province, last night,” reported Tolo News TV channel.
The Afghan government has not confirmed or denied the report so far.
With the fall of the two cities, the Taliban militants have taken control over nine provincial capitals, out of 34 provincial centres.
The said cities have been the scene of heavy clashes in recent weeks, as government security forces continued heavy fighting to prevent Taliban from advancing.
Earlier today, Afghan President, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, travelled to Mazar-i-Sharif, capital of northern Balkh province. A security meeting was underway in the city. Taliban militants have presence around the city, trying to capture Mazar-i-Sharif.
Security situation in the war-torn country has deteriorated as Taliban militants continue heavy fighting against government forces and gain ground since the drawdown of U.S. troops from May 1.
In Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, thousands of displaced families arrived from the northern region, living in open grounds and public parks.
Since the start of the year, nearly 360,000 people have been forcibly displaced by the conflict, and about five million people have been displaced since 2012, according to figures provided by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan.– NNN-XINHUA
