(ANSA) - KABUL, AUGUST 14 - The Taliban have now also conquered Mazar-i Sharif, the fourth Afghan city in the north of the country, a stronghold of forces traditionally hostile to jihadists. Loris the AFP agency citing residents.
According to unconfirmed rumors, warlords Abdul Rashid Dostume Atta Muhammas Noor, who were supposed to defend the city, also fled from Mazar-i-Sharif.
Mazar-i-Sharif, a strategic city in northern Afghanistan, is the capital of the Balkh province. Local sources reported to ANSA that the Taliban took possession of the city after the regular army soldiers left the local barracks. The Taliban then released detainees from prisons.
According to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, the city has been completely conquered.
In the last 24 hours, therefore, five capitals have fallen into the hands of the jihadists, after those of the provinces of Logar, Paktika, Kunar and Paktia and 10 districts. The Taliban would therefore control 26 out of 34 provinces. (HANDLE).