As the US continues to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban officially has taken control of its first major city

Local officials in Afghanistan say that the Taliban seized control over the Kunduz region in the country’s North over the weekend. Many civilians were caught in the crossfire, killing at least 11 and wounding 40. The total number of fatalities remains unclear.

This latest takeover marks the fourth provincial capital that the Taliban has captured in recent days. It comes as concerns grow over Afghanistan’s future without American troops.

In Kunduz, the Defence Ministry says fighting is continuing as the government tries to regain control. The Kunduz region has a population of 375,000.

The US has responded to the violence by increasing airstrikes in the area

The Afghan military says that US airstrikes in the area have killed many Taliban militants.

The Afghan Defense Ministry told CNN the militants have retaken control over several key areas. This includes the General Raziq Square and the headquarters of the Kunduz National Radio and TV.

Meanwhile, America’s embassy in Afghanistan has released a statement condemning attack. It said the Taliban’s “violent new offensive against Afghan cities” was “unacceptable”.

Women will suffer “unspeakable harm” as US withdraws from Afghanistan

This comes as the US continues to pull out troops from the area, at the risk of local women and girls.

Last month, the Biden government begun evacuating thousands of Afghans who are at risk of retribution for helping US forces. 

The US occupation of Afghanistan has brought Western values to the country – and with it, more freedom for women. This freedom would be unlikely to survive a takeover by the fundamentalist Taliban.