As Taliban gain ground, fears of Afghanistan civil war grow

Attacks on major cities show a shift in insurgency strategy

20210803N Afghan Herat

Afghan security personnel take a position during fighting between Taliban and Afghan security forces in Herat Province, west of Kabul, on Aug. 3. © AP

WAJAHAT KHAN, Nikkei staff writer

NEW YORK -- As the prospect of a Taliban takeover in Afghanistan's south looms, with three provincial capitals under attack by the insurgents, the escalating violence spurred by the U.S. withdrawal is being felt across the war-torn country.

On Tuesday, a bombing near Kabul's heavily fortified "Green Zone" killed at least three and injured seven in a busy market square. A government spokesman said the attack was meant to target a senior Afghan government official.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.