Thread by @bsarwary

#AFG Earlier today,there was a mass surrender of senior police leadership -the deputy police chief for Badghis, the head of security of the police HQ, police chief for PD1,district Governor Aab Kamaray&a commander with local uprising surrendered with at least 100 members of ANDSF

A breakdown in communications reported with access to phones and internet sporadic. Reports of heavy fighting in parts of Qalay Naw, the capital of Badghis province a strategic province that links Western Afghanistan with Faryab province in Northern Afghanistan.

Badghis province shares a border with Turkmenistan 🇹🇲 and Moaqoaar district in Badghis shares a border with Toarghoanday port with Turkmenistan.

“Taliban have taken over the provincial prison inside the city of Qalay Naw. Fighting against the police headquarters continues. Around 6 soldiers inside governors office. Most officials inside ANA brigade.” Multiple sources in Qalay Naw city tells me.

Footage shows Taliban prison break in Qalay Naw, capital of Badghis province.

Footage shows Taliban fighters in parts of Qalay Naw city, the capital of Badghis province.

“Few days ago, Governor and police chief went with a force to evacuate ANDSF from two districts but on their way they were ambushed. At least 30 members of ANDSF were killed and dozens were wounded.

When they ( Governor) came back with the police chief , they found the entire police leadership who hailed from Badghis surrendered to the Taliban. But some put up a fight.” Several Afghan officials in Badghis province tells me.

I just spoke to the provincial governor of Badghis -here is what he told me - “ Taliban launched attacked from3 directions against the city of Qalay Naw. We have had street to street fighting. We have managed to recapture some prisoners again. Taliban were helped by infiltrators.

I have been in touch with leadership of ANDSF and leadership in Kabul. At the moment we have street to street fighting in several parts of Qalay Naw city.”

Governor of Badghis appears along with Afghan Special Forces and takes back the governors office and house. The governor of Badghis says, “city will be completely cleared until this evening.”

Governor Shamsudin of Badghis takes control of his provincial capital back. Afghan forces backed by Afghan Special forces have pushed back the Taliban from the provincial capital of Qalay Naw. Taliban presence on outskirts of the city confirmed by residents and tribal elders.

Afghan Air Force carried a number of air strikes against Taliban in Qalay Naw, Badghis. Here a car bomb was destroyed by MD-530 attack helicopter. Video shared with me.

Update on the fighting in Qalay Naw , capital of Badghis - several security officials and a tribal elder tells me :” Taliban launched fresh wave of attacks from all directions. Afghan Special forces and commandos fighting in many parts of the city. Taliban casualties&fatalities

as well as casualties and fatalities among ANDSF and civilians. We are fighting against Taliban in very very close distance - 50 meters distance. Ongoing fighting between ANDSF and Taliban.”

Ongoing fighting reported by residents in Qalay Naw , the capital of Badghis province. Taliban fighters launched a second wave of attacks against a city packed with civilians including women and children.

“At least 30 civilians including women and children wounded in the fighting. Mortar attacks wounded civilians also.” A doctor in Qalay Naw tells me.