Taliban launch multi-pronged assault on Mazar-e-Sharif
The Hindu
The Taliban have captured much of northern, western and southern Afghanistan in recent weeks, leaving the Western-backed government in control of a smattering of provinces in the center and east, as well as the capital, Kabul, and the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif.
An Afghan official said that the Taliban have launched a multi-pronged assault on Mazar-e-Sharif, a major city in northern Afghanistan defended by powerful former warlords. Munir Ahmad Farhad, a spokesman for the Provincial Governor in northern Balkh province, said that the Taliban attacked the city from several directions early August 14. There was no immediate word on casualties. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had flown to Mazar-e-Sharif on August 11 to rally the city's defenses, meeting with several militia commanders allied with the government.More Related News