In the wake of US withdrawal, the Taliban on Sunday took control of Kunduz along with two other provincial capitals, increasing the number to five. Kunduz is regarded as a significant gain, being a commercial hub and strategic crossroads with easy access to northern Afghanistan, especially the capital, Kabul.
Taliban fighters have moved quickly to capture cities across Afghanistan in the last week, assassinating government officials and killing civilians in the process. Throughout this, American officials have publicly expressed hope that Afghan forces will be able to fight back, while also negotiating a peace deal with the Taliban, which is becoming increasingly doubtful.
