The capital of Paktika province, the city of Sharan, was captured by the Taliban, local media outlets reported on Saturday.

Sharan has been the 19th provincial capital that had fallen to the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The Taliban forces now control 70% of Afghanistan and have taken 19 provincial capitals.

The ongoing military offensive by the Taliban against the government of Afghanistan and its allies began on 1 May 2021, simultaneous with the withdrawal of most U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

In the early stage of the offensive, the Taliban made significant advances in the countryside, increasing the number of districts it controls from 73 to 223.

Starting on 6 August, the Taliban captured ten of Afghanistan's thirty-four provincial capitals, including Kunduz, and by Tuesday, the Taliban controlled 65% of the country.

The offensive is noted for the rapid territorial gains of the Taliban and its domestic and international ramifications.

Last week, U.S. officials estimated that the Afghan capital, Kabul, could fall to the Taliban within 30 to 90 days. (ILKHA)