By Abdul Kimera
The northern city of Kunduz in Afghanistan, which is also now the most significant gain for the Taliban, has been captured amidst heavy fighting.
In just three days of intensive fighting with the Afghanistan forces, Taliban have claimed control of five provincial capitals across the country and also some vast parts of rural areas since the launch of offensive around three months ago.
Cities like Zaranj, Taloquan, Sar-e pul and Sherbaghan are also said to have been seized from the afghan government in the statement by the taliban. The statement further stated that the police and army who will refuse to surrender will be killed.
Afghan defense ministry says its now conducting clearing operations and are battling with the Taliban fighters, to regain control of lost territories.
The afghan president Ashraf Ghani blames the deteriorating security situation on quick United States troop withdrawal which started some days back.
The United States under the Biden administration made an announcement of withdrawing its military from the longest war mission in Afghanistan which will close by the end of august.
The taliban forces has an approximate of 75000 fighters and an estimated budget of 300 – 1.5 billion USD annual revenue generated mainly from smuggling of goods. Money generated from smuggling has also helped them to gain easy victory after five years of struggle.
The latest captured city of Kunduz has a population of over 3500 people. It is rich in minerals. The fact that is is near the capital has made the taliban happy.
