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The President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani blamed the United States for increasing violence due to the speedy pullout of American troops. He said his administration would now focus on protecting provincial capitals and major urban areas after the rapidly advancing Taliban. Ashraf Ghani also urged legislators to back a national mobilization drive against the Taliban after an intensifying war. The fight between the Taliban and Afghan government forces worsened over the past few months. The United States and NATO troops have completed their pullout from the war-torn country. Ghani said in his address to Parliament that an imported, hasty peace process not only failed to bring peace but created doubt and ambiguity among Afghans. He referred to Washington’s push for negotiations between Kabul and the Taliban.

Moreover, the Taliban are now trying to seize provincial capitals after already taking large swaths of land and scores of districts in more rural areas. They have also taken control of several key border crossings with neighboring countries. Ghani said, “The Taliban doesn’t believe in lasting or just peace”. He predicted a major change on the battlefield in the next 6 months and it would push the Taliban back. He also claimed that Afghan forces are up to the task and have the capacity to defeat the insurgents. The Afghan armed forces spokesman, Gen. Ajmal Omar Shinwari said 3 provinces in southern and western Afghanistan face critical security situations. Southern Kandahar is the birthplace of the Taliban. Helmand and Herat provinces have also witnessed several attacks.

The provincial council chief of Helmand, Attaullah Afghan said the Taliban are also advancing in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah and have control of the city’s seventh district. The Elite Afghan commando units were deployed to Lashkar Gah to help defend the city. The Helmand coordinator for Doctors Without Borders, Sarah Leahy also issued a statement. She said, “There are relentless gunfire, airstrikes, and mortars in densely populated areas. Houses are being bombed and many people are suffering severe injuries”. She added, “Some of our colleagues are staying overnight in the hospital as it’s safer, but also so they can keep on treating patients. The situation has been dire for months but now it is even worse”. It is noteworthy that clashes between the Taliban and Afghan forces have intensified and Afghan security forces are out of supplies and food in the city.