Afghan President Ashraf Ghani says the “sudden” withdrawal of US and other foreign troops has led to worsening violence as the Taliban launch attacks on major cities.
Key points:
- Taliban fighters are battling Afghan forces for control of regional capitals
- In one city, Lashkar Gah, the Taliban took over a government-run radio station
- Witnesses describe “relentless gunfire, air strikes and mortars in densely populated areas” as commandos battle Taliban guerillas
Taliban insurgents have moved in on three provincial capitals in the last few days, and have seized territory nationwide since the US withdrew most of its troops well before its self-imposed September deadline.
Almost all US troops have now left the country, and allies including Australia have also pulled out, ending their almost two-decade-long troop commitments.
“The current situation is due to a sudden decision on the withdrawal of the international troops,” Mr Ghani told the Afghan parliament.
“We have had an unexpected situation in the last three months.”
Mr Ghani also urged politicians to back a national mobilisation drive against the Taliban, saying “an imported, hasty” peace process a reference to Washington’s push for negotiations between Kabul and the Taliban “not only failed to bring peace but created doubt and ambiguity” among Afghans.
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The Afghan President arrived by helicopter for the extraordinary session of parliament because of the dire situation on the ground.
The Taliban are now trying to seize the provincial capitals after already taking large swathes of land and scores of districts in rural areas, as well as several key border crossings with neighbouring countries.
Most of their advances have focused on rural areas and they have yet to take full control of a major city.
Mr Ghani said the Afghan government had a US-backed security plan to bring the situation under control within six months, but did not elaborate.
He also accused the Taliban of keeping up its ties with terrorist groups and of stepping up attacks on women.
“The Taliban do not believe in lasting or just peace,” Mr Ghani said.
Most of the Taliban’s advances have focused on rural areas, but now they have turned their attention to provincial capitals.(WAKIL KOHSAR/AFP via Getty Images
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Densely populated areas face ‘relentless gunfire’
On Sunday, Afghan armed forces spokesman General Ajmal Omar Shinwari told reporters that southern Kandahar the birthplace of the Taliban as well as Helmand and Herat provinces all faced critical security situations.
Hours after the President’s remarks, Taliban fighters seized control of Helmand’s government radio and TV building in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital.
Resident Haji Sadullah said they broadcast religious songs and propaganda for close to an hour on both AM and FM frequencies.
Government officials did not immediately comment.
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The building is located 400 metres to the north of the provincial governor’s office, which is still under the control of the government along with a few other government installations.
“Taliban were announcing that Radio Sharia started broadcasting after almost 20 years,” Mr Sadullah said.
Helmand provincial council chief Attaullah Afghan said the Taliban now had control of Lashkar Gah’s seventh district.
On Monday, elite Afghan commando units were dispatched to help defend the city.
“There has been relentless gunfire, air strikes and mortars in densely populated areas. Houses are being bombed, and many people are suffering severe injuries,” said Sarah Leahy, Helmand coordinator for Doctors Without Borders.
The group said life in Lashkar Gah was at a standstill as residents hid inside their homes, afraid to venture out.
“Some of our colleagues are staying overnight in the hospital as it’s safer, but also so they can keep on treating patients,” the organisation said.
“The situation has been dire for months but now it is even worse.”
Faizullah, who like many other Afghans goes by one name, told The Associated Press over the phone that he fled Lashkar Gah with his family and was now following the Helmand River to safety.
Clashes between the Taliban and Afghan forces had intensified, he said, and “Afghan security forces are out of supplies and food in the city”.
Taliban taking back control of Afghan province
AP/Reuters