Multiple sources are reporting that the Taliban have captured the son of the warlord, Yar Muhammad Dostum alive. Yar Muhammad is Marshal Dostum’s son, who fought against the Taliban in Sheberghan, Jowzjan. The Dostum warlords were part of the ex-northern alliance including Ahmed Masood, and Hikmatyar who didn’t align with the Kabul government or support Ashraf Ghani and were ready to fight independently for some recompense.
They (Junbish Militia) and ANDSF troops took refuge in the local Airport. They were encircled, however, there was a report that Yar Muhammad successfully escaped. However, reports are now circulating that the Taliban were successful in capturing his son alive.
Waiting for confirmation ⚠……
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) August 11, 2021
Earlier on 9th August 2021, the Taliban exposed the luxurious lifestyle of so-called Field Marshal Dostum by taking control of his royal residence. The opulent living of the elite speak volumes about the polarization of Afghan society where a larger chunk of the population lives beyond their means.
Taliban making quick gains
On Tuesday evening, the Taliban captured the capital of the northern province of Baglan, Pul-Khumri, and statements by the residents highlight the retreat of the Afghan forces to Kelagi Desert which is the home to a large Afghan army base. Within a week, the Taliban were able to take control of the seventh regional capital Pul-e-Khumri.
Read more: Afghan peace: Why Pakistan should no more “do more”
Taliban fighters have been infiltrating the Aibak which is a provincial capital between the northern city of Kabul and Mazar-e Sharif. They are taking control of government buildings leaving the officials with no choice except for a “self-imposed house arrest or to find a way to leave for Kabul,” said tax officer Sher Mohamed Abbas, when asked about living conditions in Aibak. Abbas, who supports nine family members claimed that “even Kabul is not a safe option anymore,”
Earlier, the northern province of Afghanistan was considered the most peaceful region with minimal Taliban presence. The insurgents’ strategy looks like taking control of the north, all the border crossing at west, south, north, and then converging in Kabul. The Taliban’s offensive according to a senior European Union representative’s statement on Tuesday appears to remain unabated as they control 65% of the Afghan land and have threatened to capture 11 provinces.
Read more: Former advisor to US Army says Pakistan not be blamed for Kabul’s failures
Indian helicopter seized by Afghan Taliban
Afghan Taliban captured an Indian Mi-35 gunship donated to the Afghan air force back in 2019 on Wednesday, 11th August 2021. This news came in the wake of the Taliban making large swaths in the Afghan land by capturing provinces and capital cities to increase their clout.
These helicopters are a replacement for the four helicopters gifted by India to [Afghanistan] in 2015/2016,” the Indian embassy had said. According to the July 2019 “Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan” report published by the U.S. Department of Defense, India transferred four Mi-35s during 2015/2016 and four more during 2018.
Read more: Afghan Taliban capture an Indian Mi-35 gunship