The New York Times published a speculation about the timing of the fall of the Afghan government in Kabul, citing some of the country’s top officials and the Taliban’s astonishing progress in conquering various fronts against the Afghan army.
According to the officials, the possible Taliban control over Balkh province will pave the way for the fall of the Afghan government in Kabul; collapse is expected in only 30 days.
It is worth mentioning that a few hours ago, Herat province fell to the Taliban.
Eyewitnesses as well as Afghan security officials reported local time on Thursday evening that Herat had been captured by the Taliban as government forces withdrew.
A senior Afghan government security official also confirmed to AFP that government officials and forces had retreated to a military base outside Herat.
Hours ago, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid (Thursday evening) tweeted that Taliban forces had taken full control of the Herat police headquarters and governor’s office, and that a number of government forces had surrendered to the group.
Herat officials have not yet commented on the allegations.
Meanwhile, some reporters in Herat reported on Thursday evening that Herat Central Prison was out of the control of government forces and had been taken over by Taliban forces.
The Taliban are also said to have taken control of Herat’s Ikhtiaruddin Fortress.