Update 2021-08-09 (4): According to reports on Monday (09 August), the Taliban succeeded in taking control of the city of Aybak. This is the sixth provincial capital that the group has been able to capture. At the same time, government troops are trying to retake the city of Kunduz.
Meanwhile, a loud explosion is reported to have occurred in the town of Lashkargah. Details are not yet known.
The Taliban also announced their intention to march on the city of Mazar-i-Sharif.
Update 2021-08-09 (3): On Sunday night (08 August, local time), the Taliban attacked Aybak, the capital of Samangan province. The attack was repelled and at least 20 Taliban were killed. At least eight other attackers were injured. Fighting is also reported to have taken place around the town of Puli Khumri.
Update 2021-08-09 (2): On Monday (09 August), at least one civilian was killed when an explosive attack was carried out on an official’s vehicle in the Bagrami neighbourhood of Kabul. At least two security forces were injured.
Update 2021-08-09 (1): On Sunday (08 August), at least 20 civilians were killed when fierce fighting broke out between Taliban and security forces in the city of Lashkargah. Air strikes also reportedly destroyed a hospital. Most of the fighting took place in Districts 1 and 2.
