Badakhshan: 4 more districts fall to Taliban

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): At least four more districts have been captured by the Taliban in northeastern Badakhshan province, a well-placed source revealed on Monday.

A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Shaki, Nasi Khwahan, Mayami and Ishkashim district had into Taliban’s hands.

Following the collapse of the districts, many security forces retreated to Tajikistan and many others surrendered to the militants, he said.

On Sunday, Tajikistan announced that about 300 Afghan security forces had entered the county from Koof Aab district.

Local officials did not comment on the development, but Taliban claimed capturing military equipment and vehicles in addition to the districts.

The source added the insurgents also took control of Argo and Yawan districts late on Sunday.

Without elaborating, the official confirmed the security personnel fled to Tajikistan.

Of the 27 districts of the province, only Shighnan, Wakhan and Kiran Wa Minjan are under government control.

The Taliban claimed seizing at least 150 districts across the country in the past two months.

But Rohullah Ahmadi, spokesman for the Ministry of Defence, said they had abandoned the control of some districts for tactical reasons and in order to prevent security forces’ casualties.

He said the government was striving to recapture the fallen districts by launching a string of operations.

sa/mud

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