How far are the Afghan Taliban from Kabul?
Image credit: BBC
The Afghan Taliban are now closer to Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. They have reportedly attacked the central part of the country and the city of Maidan Shar in Maidan Wardak province, southwest of Kabul.
According to the media reports, fights between Taliban and the Afghan army continues in Maidan Shar, also known as the ‘Gateway to Kabul’, which is just 40 kilometers from the capital city. The Taliban claim to have seized several areas in two other provinces. However, this has not been officially confirmed.
The Taliban insurgents have so far captured half of the country’s 34 provincial capitals. While a large number of citizens from all over the country are heading to Kabul, 3,000 United States (US) troops have also arrived here for the safe return of their citizens.
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A Pentagon spokesman called the Taliban’s move “very disturbing” but said “Kabul is not in danger at the moment.” The Taliban have claimed control of the country’s second and third largest cities, which has not yet been officially confirmed.
According to reports, the Taliban’s advance has come closer to Kabul after the capture of Pul-e-Alam, the capital of Logar province. Armed militants have set up camp just 50km from Kabul.
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An Afghan government official confirmed on Friday that Kandahar, the economic hub of the south, was under Taliban control as US-led international forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years of war. Herat in the west, near the border with Iran, also fell to the hardline Islamist group.
Kandahar’s loss was a heavy blow to the government as it is the heartland of the Taliban and is close to the town of Spin Boldak, one of the two main entry points into Pakistan and a major source of tax revenues. A US defense official said before the fall of Pul-e-Alam that there was concern that the Taliban – ousted from power in 2001 after the Sept. 11 attacks on the US – could make a move on Kabul within days.
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“Kabul is not right now in an imminent threat environment, but clearly … if you just look at what the Taliban has been doing, you can see that they are trying to isolate Kabul,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.
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