Afghanistan: Latest updates on Nimruz front, 7 August 2021

After the successive fall of Khash and Chakhansur districts in recent weeks and the fall of the border town of Kang to the Taliban yesterday, the city of Zaranj was also besieged by the group’s militants. In such circumstances, the central government could not support the government forces in the area, and finally, with the escape of the governor of Nimruz and the withdrawal of Afghan Army troops from Zaranj, the city came under the control of the Taliban without notable clashes.

Due to evacuation of the city by the government forces, many of Zaranj people have fled to the Milak border crossing since last night and entered Iran. Meanwhile, the Iranian border guards and police welcomed the asylum seekers. The Friday prayer leader and the head of the Helmand governorate also attended the border crossing, assuring them of the security of the people in Zaranj, inviting them to calm down and return to their homes.

#Afghanistan
Video of the capture of #Zaranj prison by #Taliban and the release of prisoners.
Clashes continue in other parts of Zaranj, and the fall of Zaranj is certain if the government and the army do not support the remaining forces in the city.#افغانستان #زرنج #نیمروز pic.twitter.com/2vaXCojXhO

— IWN (@A7_Mirza) August 6, 2021

Taliban militants are currently entering and controlling government and military areas in the city of Zaranj. It is also said that some Taliban groups have been sent to the district of Chahar Burjak, south of Zaranj, to confront government forces.

Overall, Zaranj is the first provincial capital to be captured by the Taliban during the recent conflict in Afghanistan, contrary to the Taliban’s agreement with the United States. According to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, “no attack on provincial capitals” was part of the agreement between the United States and the Taliban. Of course, the Taliban have also stated that their recent attacks on provincial capitals are due to the United States failure to live up to its commitments “to not to attack Taliban positions and provide air support to the central government”.

Government forces are said to have retreated into Iran with their weapons and military vehicles. Iran is transporting Afghan government forces by air to Kabul, and this has already happened during the fall of the Islam Qala border crossing in Herat province.