Afghanistan: Taliban Forces Capture Mazar-e-Sharif

Reuters quoted a local Afghan official on Saturday evening as saying that the "Taliban" movement had captured the northern city of  Mazar-e-Sharif, the fourth-largest city in Afghanistan, as the government forces had fled towards the border with Uzbekistan.

The Taliban have taken control of Mazar-e-Sharif," Afzal Hadid, head of the Balkh provincial council said, adding that the city appeared to have fallen without a fight.

Earlier, The "Taliban" movement announced its control over the "209 Shaheen Corps" located in the state of Balkh, noting that its members are about to control the city of Mazar-e-Sharif.

The "Taliban" movement is continuing its military advance, with increasing rates, aimed at consolidating its grip on the entire territory of Afghanistan.