Taliban forces take control of Ghazni
The Taliban armed group has captured Ghazni city, the capital of Ghazni province, about 130km (80 miles) southwest of the capital Kabul.
Ghazni city has become the 10th provincial capital to fall within days.
The ongoing military offensive by the Taliban against the government of Afghanistan and its allies began on 1 May 2021, simultaneous with the withdrawal of most U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
In the early stage of the offensive, the Taliban made significant advances in the countryside, increasing the number of districts it controls from 73 to 223.
Starting on 6 August, the Taliban captured ten of Afghanistan's thirty-four provincial capitals, including Kunduz, and by Tuesday, the Taliban controlled 65% of the country.
The offensive is noted for the rapid territorial gains of the Taliban and its domestic and international ramifications.
On Tuesday, U.S. officials estimated that the Afghan capital, Kabul, could fall to the Taliban within 30 to 90 days. (ILKHA)