The Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group, has taken control of the Dahla dam- the second biggest dam in Afghanistan- in the southern province of Kandahar where intense fightings have been raging for months. 

The dam provides irrigation water to farmers in the three districts of the region, and also supplies drinking water to the provincial capital. “We have seized the Dahla Dam in Arghandab,” Qaro Yousuf, a spokesperson for the insurgent group confirmed. 

Reports say the group, earlier this week, has issued threats to dam workers and employees. Security forces, deployed to protect the site, had asked for reinforcement which they failed to get. 

Built by the United States around 70 years ago, the dam has recently received $350 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to expand its existing canal network. 

From time to time, insurgents in the country have targeted construction workers and dam officials. On many occasions, they even tried to blow up structures. The Taliban often targets key infrastructure of the country like bridges, highways, and roads. 

Fights across the country intensified since US President Joe Biden announced the withdrawal of foreign forces from the war-torn country. The troops would end their presence by 11 September this year.