The security situation here is unravelling faster than almost anyone expected -- with the possible exception of the Taliban themselves. Nine provincial capitals have now fallen to the insurgent group -- in several cases with minimal resistance from the Afghan security forces. The Taliban now control territory they were unable to subdue when they were in power between 1996 and 2001. A group of soldiers who had been under fire from Taliban snipers simply ran from their base, flagged down a passing car and left. A Taliban flag is seen on a plinth with people gathered around the main city square at Pul-e-Khumri on August 11, 2021 after Taliban captured Pul-e-Khumri, the capital of Baghlan province.

Source: CNN August 11, 2021 20:00 UTC