Afghanistan is becoming increasingly turbulent as the Taliban take control of one province after another. International media have reported that the Taliban insurgent group has taken control of more than half of the 34 provinces.
The Taliban have also taken control of provinces near the capital, Kabul, which previously had a low Taliban presence. Clashes between government security forces and the Taliban have left hundreds injured and thousands displaced. Thousands of people have fled to the capital, Kabul, seeking safety. The Taliban have recently taken control of Patika and Kunar provinces.
In the last few weeks, the Taliban have threatened to seize the capital, Kabul, and various countries have begun the process of repatriating their citizens and diplomats. The United States has sent 3,000 troops to Afghanistan to repatriate its diplomats. Other countries are also preparing to take back their citizens.
As the Taliban expand their activities, Afghan President Asraf Ghani addressed the nation on Saturday. He said the international community was being consulted on what to do about the growing influence of the Taliban.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern that the situation in Afghanistan is spiraling out of control. He urged both sides to pay special attention to the safety of the citizens. He further added that the attacks on civilians were a violation of humanitarian and international law.
As the Taliban expands its activities, Afghan President Asraf Ghani addressed the nation on Saturday. He directed the security forces to re-mobilize the security forces effectively. He said the international community was being consulted on what to do about the growing influence of the Taliban.
Similarly, political parties in the country are also being consulted, he said. "The country is facing serious political instability as the Taliban have stepped up their attacks," Ghani said in a statement. He said the government was working to prevent further political instability and violence, trying to reassure citizens.
The Taliban are trying to return the provinces under their control to normalcy. Taliban officials have sought to reassure the self-proclaimed government security forces through the media that they will do nothing, that civilians will be able to conduct their economic activities, and that they will not attack anyone from any community.
He further added that they have relaxed their hardline policy and now women can go to school and work.
The world's major powers are silent on what their strategy would be if the Taliban occupied Afghanistan. Their focus at this time is on protecting their citizens.
