Taliban forces have seized yet another provincial capital in Afghanistan, the 10th since the group starting their blitz attacks across the country. The latest attack comes as the U.S. and NATO prepare to withdraw their troops from the country after decades of conflict.
The Taliban captured the city of Ghazni Thursday, just 80 miles southwest of Kabul. Local reports said sporadic fighting has continued outside the city, including armed clashes in an army installation.
The Taliban published several videos and images online following their capture of the city. Afghan security forces are reportedly still holding two bases outside of Ghazni.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is reportedly preparing a counteroffensive against the group using the country’s Special Forces, local militias, and remaining U.S. airpower. The U.S. and NATO are expected to withdraw entirely from Afghanistan at the end of the month.
Ghazni provincial council member Amanullah Kamrani confirmed the fall of the city to the Taliban on social media. He said the provincial governor and the chief of police had made a deal with the Taliban, resulting in the swift fall of the city. Video of the governor’s convoy passing by Taliban forces unhindered supported Kamrani’s allegations.
Experts said the Afghan government may soon be forced to pull back its troops to defend the capital, leaving other cities vulnerable to Taliban attacks. U.S. military intelligence assessments expect Kabul to come under Taliban fire within the next 30 days if the pace of their attacks continues. If Kabul falls, the Taliban could take full control of the country within a matter of months, intelligence assessment reports said.
