Taliban captures key Kandahar district as Afghan troops suffer wave of defeats in wake of US withdrawal

Taliban captures key Kandahar district as Afghan troops suffer wave of defeats in wake of US withdrawal

4 Jul, 2021 12:22

The Taliban has seized a key district in Kandahar province after pushing Afghan troops out of the area, adding to a growing list of victories against government forces amid the US military’s exit from the country.

The militant group took the Panjwai district following a fierce overnight battle with soldiers loyal to Kabul, AFP reported, citing regional officials. Panjwai District Governor Hasti Mohammad said government troops retreated from the area following the clashes, and that the Taliban had seized the district police headquarters as well as the governor’s office building. Kandahar Provincial Council head Sayed Jan Khakriwal confirmed the fall of Panjwai, but accused Afghan forces of "intentionally withdrawing.”

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