The Taliban took control of three districts in Balkh

Local sources in Balkh report the fall of Shulgara, Dawlatabad and Kishindeh districts of the province to Taliban fighters.

Afzal Hadid, chairman of the Balkh Provincial Council, said that the Dawlatabad, Shulgara and Kishindeh districts of the province had been captured by Taliban fighters this morning after heavy fighting.

Mr Afzal added that Taliban fighters and security forces had been killed in the clashes, but did not comment on the number of casualties.

Meanwhile, Sayed Abdullah Masroor, a member of the Balkh Provincial Council, said that the central government had instructed security officials to retreat in areas where it was impossible to confront the Taliban.

According to him, this was done to prevent civilian casualties.

But security officials have not yet denied or confirmed the fall of the districts.