The new tactic has helped the Taliban gain ground, albeit at a slower pace than a deadly, surprise raid on an entire village. "Every day our forces are stepping back and every day the Taliban are controlling more and more area," Khadimzai said. Khadimzai describes Tirin Kot now as an "island of government control disconnected from the rest of the province." The Taliban have been waging war against Kabul since 2001, when their regime was overthrown in the U.S.-led invasion. Since the international combat troops pulled out of Afghanistan at the end of 2014, leaving behind only a largely training and advising contingent, the insurgency has intensified as Afghan forces struggle to take the lead in the battle.

Source: Fox News June 03, 2016 06:39 UTC