Takhar key district fall into Taliban’s hands

The Khawaja Ghar district of Takhar province on early Thursday collapsed by the armed Taliban forces, spokesman of Takhar province said.

Sunatullah Teymor, spokesman of Takhar confirmed the incident, saying after 8 hours clash between the Afghan security forces and Taliban group, they Afghan forces retreat the district.

Teymor noted that Taliban has taken the control of the district’s administrative office and police headquarters.

He further added that the clashes are underway between the two parties near the districts’ bazaar and reinforcements have been sent to the area from Taleqan city.

However, Noor Muhammad Hakimi, Takhar police commander denied collapse of the district; citing the clashes between Afghan forces and Taliban are still ongoing.

This comes as the Chief of Executive Officer CEO, Abdullah Abdullah has recently said that the collapse of northern districts shows that Afghanistan still need foreign forces.

Militant violence has increased across Afghanistan since Nato ended its combat mission in Afghanistan in December, leaving a 13,000-strong residual force used for training and counter-terrorism operations.

Afghan security forces have been sorely tested by the fighting, following the withdrawal late last year of international combat troops. Army and police have suffered huge casualties and their resources have been spread thinly across the country as the Taliban have taken their fight to topple the Kabul government to every corner of Afghanistan.