Armed Taliban fighters have seized the port of Shir Khan, Afghanistan’s central border with Tajikistan. Qatar-based Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday (June 22nd) that a provincial official had been fired.
In the face of a Taliban attack, members of the Afghan forces fled a security checkpoint near the port of Shir Khan, the media reported. Many have even crossed the border and fled.
The port of Shir Khan is located about 50 km north of the city of Kunduz in the country. It is being hailed as the Taliban’s highest achievement in the ongoing withdrawal of foreign troops, including the US military.
“Unfortunately, in just one hour of fighting this morning, the Taliban have taken control of the Shir Khan port, the city and the entire border area with Tajikistan,” said Khaliduddin Hakmi, a member of the Kunduz provincial council.
“We have been forced to leave the security checkpoints because of the Taliban attack,” an Afghan government official told AFP. Some of our troops have even crossed the border and taken refuge in Tajikistan. ‘
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “There were only Taliban fighters around since morning. Hundreds of Taliban fighters.
Taliban spokesman Jabihullah Mujahid confirmed the occupation of the Tajik border. “Our mujahideen have taken control of the port of Shirkhan and are in full control of the Tajik border,” he said.
