Afghan security personnel take a position during fighting between Taliban and Afghan security forces in Herat province, west of Kabul. Photo / APWith security rapidly deteriorating, the United States planned to send in 3000 troops to help evacuate some personnel from the US Embassy in Kabul. The advancing Taliban ride on American-made Humvees and carry M-16s pilfered from Afghan forces. Afghan security forces and the government have not responded to repeated questions from journalists, instead issuing video communiques that downplay the Taliban advance. In Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban, insurgents seized the governor's office and other buildings, witnesses said.

Source: New Zealand Herald August 13, 2021 05:26 UTC