Thread by @bsarwary

#AFG Taliban fighters blew up this ANDSF post in Guzra district, Herat province.

Over the last 24 hours the districts Ghoryan, Farsi, Zinda Jaaan, Kohsaan, Pakhtoon Zarghoon, Chasht , Oabay,Kashkay Kohnaaa, Parts of Shindad district fell to the Taliban - other parts contested and Gulraaan district under siege.

Fighting reported between ANDSF and Taliban.

“Herat Custom and border battalion closer to the Iranian border attacked by the Taliban. On going fighting with some buildings captured by the Taliban. Some soldiers and custom officials fled to Iran.”, Traders and local officials in Herat province tells me.

Fighting in Islam Qala - important center of trade between Afghanistan and Iran. Soldiers and government officials have fled to Iran.

Chaotic moments at the Afghan- Iranian border in Islam Qala. After Taliban attacks some soldiers and costume officials fleeing to Iran.

Taliban seize control of a border crossing between Herat province and Iran 🇮🇷 Iranian border guard watches chaotic site around him.

Herat city remains on a high state of security alert. ANDSF is alert after the fall of a border crossing and important trade point. Fighters loyal to the powerful former Mujahideen commander Ismail Khan also deployed to parts of Herat city.

Acting Director Herat customs Nisar Ahmad Nasiri says Taliban have taken control of Islam Qala customs on the border with Iran 🇮🇷 , Toar Ghoanday port on the border with Turkmenistan 🇹🇲 - trade is shut and customs offices closed. Loss for traders and Afghanistan is huge.

Fall of districts in Herat, including Shindad, at a rapid pace and the spill over effect of fighting in Badghis, Farah and Ghor have made Herat one of the most insecure provinces. Threat to Herat city is now palpable.

Ismail Khan former governor of Herat, former Mujahideen commander during Russian invasion also anti Taliban commander in 1990s and their one time prisoner announces a resistance against Taliban in Herat and Western region. Time will tell how effective he is!