The Taliban on Thursday claimed to have captured the strategically important city of Ghazni, central Afghanistan, making it 10th provincial capital to fall to the advancing insurgents in the war-ravaged country.
Located only around 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Kabul, Ghazi connects southern and western Afghanistan with the capital city.
"The capital of Ghazni province was also conquered," tweeted Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahed with visuals of the group's fighters roaming the city.
“Moments ago in Ghazni city, the governor, police chief, prison, reserve unit, rapid reaction center, shrine, and center of the zero-6 unit were completely conquered. Large numbers of soldiers were killed and dozens more surrendered. A large number of weapons and equipment were recovered,” he claimed.
Nasir Ahmad Faqiri, head of the provincial assembly, confirmed the fall of the city, saying it came about as a result of a "deal" with the provincial governor.
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