So far this month, Taliban fighters have attacked Afghan security forces in northern Kunduz province, briefly taking control of a district headquarters. Meanwhile, in eastern Nangarhar province, Taliban militants are fighting pitched battles with security forces. Sadar’s appointment coincides with an uptick in Taliban attacks against Afghan security forces. ISLAMABAD—The Taliban have appointed a new military chief as the insurgents try to gain ground rather than talk peace under a new leadership, Taliban officials said in telephone interviews over the weekend. Taliban officials say their fighters, whose families are living in Pakistan, are getting caught up in the crackdown — forcing them to find shelter in Afghanistan.

Source: thestar August 30, 2016 17:03 UTC