Government forces plan a counteroffensive in Afghanistan's northern provinces after losing ground to the Taliban. The Taliban now control roughly a third of all 421 districts and district centers in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan army plan counteroffensive against Taliban in northern provinces

The Afghanistan army has vowed to secure major cities and highways amid a rise in Taliban attacks. The newly appointed Afghan army chief General Wali Mohammad has said that the forces' top priority was to safeguard the major cities, border towns, and highways.

Afghan army vows to safeguard major cities, border towns & highways

The Taliban's march through northern Afghanistan gained momentum overnight with the capture of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan.

Taliban captures several districts in Afghanistan, forces flee to Tajikistan

Taliban captures key districts in Afghanistan, 300 military troops flee to Tajikistan