Taleban Begins Seizing Major Afghan Cities... 5 Locations Fallen in 3 Days

City Captured in 3 Hours Without Combat
No Change Expected in US Troop Withdrawal Plan...95% Withdrawal Completed

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As the withdrawal of U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan is nearing completion, the Taliban, an armed group within Afghanistan, has attacked major cities, capturing five locations in three days and pushing back the Afghan government forces.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 8th (local time), the Taliban seized Kunduz city and Sar-e Pol city, major cities in northern Afghanistan's Kunduz province. It is reported that the government forces fled without properly engaging in combat with the Taliban. The day before, the Taliban captured Sheberghan city, the capital of Jawzjan province, and earlier on the 6th, they took control of Zaranj city, the capital of Nimruz province located near the border with Iran, just three hours after the battle began.

AFP quoted a Sheberghan official saying, "Unfortunately, the city has been completely fallen," and "Currently, Sheberghan government forces and officials are moving to the airport on the outskirts of the city to prepare for defense." Sheberghan was the stronghold of Abdul Rashid Dostum, the largest warlord in northern Afghanistan, but it is reported that he suffered a crushing defeat to the Taliban.

The Afghan government has not made any official statements regarding the fall of major cities, while according to major foreign media, the U.S. Biden administration has no plans to change the existing troop withdrawal despite the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan. The U.S. military in Afghanistan plans to withdraw by the 31st of this month and has completed over 95% of the withdrawal so far.

As the situation worsens, following the U.S., the British government also recommended the evacuation of its nationals from Afghanistan. The British Foreign Office stated on its website that "the security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating," and "all travel is banned, and all British nationals in Afghanistan are advised to leave by commercial means."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.