The Afghan government is conducting emergency talks with local leaders and international partners to end the war. In a pre-recorded speech, President Ashraf Ghani said consultations are progressing rapidly.
Ghani says a political solution is being sought. “We want a solution that will restore stability and peace to the country.”
According to the president, regrouping the armed forces remains the priority for his administration. “We are taking serious steps to mobilize our armed forces again,” Ghani said. According to the president, it is essential that there are no more casualties and that no more damage is caused.
The Afghan army has been overrun by the Taliban across the country in recent weeks. The Muslim extremists are making rapid advances and have already controlled large parts of Afghanistan, including the country’s second and third cities. The jihadists have approached the capital Kabul within 50 kilometres.
At least 19 provincial capitals have fallen into the hands of the Taliban. Sharan, the capital of Paktika province, is the last city captured by the Taliban. Shortly before that, Pul-e-Alam, 70 kilometres from Kabul, was also occupied. In both cities, hardly any resistance would have been offered.
