The Taliban claims to be gaining ground in Afghanistan and now controls 85 percent of the country. A Taliban delegation in Moscow said they control 250 of Afghanistan’s 400 districts.
The Afghan government has repeatedly said that the Taliban’s advance has little value from a strategic point of view. However, observers are of the opinion that the Islamic fundamentalist movement has invaded the border areas rich in resources and that the Islam Qala crossing which was occupied by the Taliban is of great economic importance. The Turgundi border crossing between Herat and Turkmenistan is also said to be under Taliban control.
International forces have helped the Afghan government in its fight against the Taliban for 20 years, but that support is now largely gone. Last week, the United States handed over its main base to the Afghan government.
Hear also the new De Telegraaf podcast on defense and international security: Delta Tango. With this episode: Was the Dutch mission in Afghanistan for nothing?
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