Taliban could capture Afghan capital in 90 days, suggests US intelligence report
By Team Newsable | First Published Aug 12, 2021, 10:22 AM ISTThe loss of Faizabad was the latest setback for the Ashraf Ghani government. The president flew to Mazar-i-Sharif to rally old warlords to defend the biggest city as Taliban forces closed in.
Citing United States intelligence, a US defence official said that Taliban fighters could isolate Afghanistan's capital in 30 days and possibly take it over in 90 days. The statement comes as the insurgents made more advances across the country.
According to media reports, the official said that a new assessment of how long Kabul could stand shows the Taliban's gains as US-led foreign forces leave. The official also said that Afghan security forces could reverse the momentum by putting up more resistance.
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As per reports, the insurgents have taken control of approximately 65 per cent of the country and have taken around eight provincial capitals. On Wednesday, the Taliban seized Faizabad in Badakhshan, the eighth provincial capital, to be taken.
A security source said foreign countries are trying to ensure their staff leave Kabul quickly, and some international airlines were also being asked to evacuate staff.
The Taliban seeks to defeat the US-backed government and reimpose strict Islamic law in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the speed of their advance has shocked the world.
The loss of Faizabad was the latest setback for the Ashraf Ghani government. The president flew to Mazar-i-Sharif to rally old warlords to defend the biggest city as Taliban forces closed in.
Earlier, US President Joe Biden said he does not regret his decision to withdraw and urged Afghan leaders to fight for their homeland. He said that they had spent more than $1 trillion over 20 years and lost thousands of US troops, and continued to provide significant air support, food, equipment, and salaries to Afghan forces.
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