Taliban retakes 3 northern Afghan districts that fell to local militias

The Taliban on Monday reclaimed three districts in northern Afghanistan that initially fell to local militia groups last week, Reuters reported.

In the northern province of Baghlan, the Taliban recaptured Bano, Deh Saleh and Pul e-Hesar. The districts were taken by local militias last week, showing the first signs of armed resistance to the Taliban since the seizure of Kabul. 

The Taliban reclaimed the districts by Monday, according to spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. They were established in Badakhshan, Takhar and Andarab near the Panjshir valley, according to Reuters.

There have been no other reports of further fighting, according to Reuters.

“The Islamic Emirate is trying to resolve the problems peacefully,” Mujahid said.

The situation reflects a boiling point in the country as thousands of Afghans continue to flee following the Taliban’s takeover. 

The Biden administration has faced heavy criticism while it continues rescue operations for thousands more Americans and Afghan allies.

“We are also consulting closely with our allies and partners on the issue of the evacuation and its progress,” Jake Sullivan told reporters Monday. “We are taking this day by day. We believe we are making enormous progress.”