Some Afghan elders, who usually act as local lines of communication between the Taliban and the government, have been arrested by the government forces, the Afghan Ministry of Interior informed. Officials claimed they were helping the Taliban to capture cities. The insurgent group has taken control of over 23 districts in the last 70 days, including 4 in the last 24 hours alone. Reports indicated soldiers either abandoning security outposts or surrendering to the Taliban.

Afghan officials claimed some of the mediators were helping the Taliban persuading soldiers to abandon their posts. Security officials, in many cases, claimed that their soldiers retreated tactically. 

A report in TOLOnews claimed over 70 district centers across 20 provinces are under siege currently. Lawmakers allege soldiers in outposts are not being provided with enough supplies. 

In the last 20 years, the Afghan security forces, in their fight against the Taliban, have heavily relied upon on-air operations conducted by US and NATO forces. This air superiority had given them an edge over the Taliban and denied them access to cities. 

However, Afghan forces are not trained enough for the maintenance of fighter aircraft-- a job so far being done by US contractors. In the coming weeks, this gap would widen further as foreign troops end their presence. Therefore, the operational capability of the Afghan forces will certainly take a hit. 

(SAM)