Taliban seize three more provincial capitals in Afghanistan

The Taliban on Wednesday seized three more provincial capitals in Afghanistan, marking the latest areas that military forces have taken as the United States completes its withdrawal from the country.

Taliban fighters on Wednesday completed their takeover of Afghanistan’s northeast, successfully securing nearly two-thirds of the country, according to The Associated Press.

Faizabad, the capital of the northeastern province of Badakhshan, was captured as President Ashraf Ghani’s forces attempted to defend one of the country’s largest cities, Reuters reported.

Provincial council member Jawad Mujadidi said that the Taliban first began to seize Faizabad before launching Tuesday’s offensive.

“Unfortunately, after hours of heavy fighting the ANDSF retreated,” Mujadidi told Reuters, noting that national security forces were present. “With the fall of Faizabad the whole of the northeast has come under Taliban control.”

The Afghan government has struggled to maintain control without the support of U.S. military forces. President Biden on Tuesday called on the country’s officials to fight for their home, noting that he did not regret the decision to withdraw, according to Reuters.

Some Afghans have taken issue with the lack of support they are now receiving from the U.S.

“The U.S. did not provide support … Now we see the result,” retired general and military analyst Dawlat Waziri told Reuters.

Taliban forces are now in control of nearly 65 percent of the country and have reportedly threatened to take 11 provincial capitals, according to Reuters.