KABUL, Aug 15: Afghan security forces withdrew on Friday morning from an eastern district after days of fighting with Taliban, allowing the militants to move in and capture the area, officials said.

A spokesman for the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahed, claimed the government troops had withdrawn from Nawa district in Ghazni province under pressure after more than two weeks of attacks.

Interior ministry spokesman Zemarai Bashary confirmed police had pulled out of the remote district near the Pakistan border but did not give details.

The deputy provincial governor, Mohammed Kazim Allah Yar, said it was not clear why the security forces had pulled back. “Now the district is not under our control,” he said, adding there were plans to redeploy to the area.

Mujahed said the security forces had left on Friday morning after days of heavy fighting, and militants had torched a district administration building and blown up other structures. “The district is under control of the mujahideen,” he said.

Police on Thursday pulled back from posts in a district of Helmand province after two weeks of clashes with militants. The Taliban also claimed to have taken over that district, called Nad Ali.—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...