Afghanistan Updates: Clashes continue in Kandahar

Commander of the ANDSF Special Operations Corps General Hibatullah Alizai stated that clearance operations by his troops were underway in Lashkar Gah, though he warned that the Taliban were using civilian homes as fighting positions.

In Herat, Provincial Governor Abdul Saboor Qane stated that the ANDSF and public uprising forces had successfully repelled seven Taliban attacks during the preceding night, adding that ANDSF airstrikes had killed over 100 Taliban militants.

ANDSF troops recaptured Badpash District:

ANDSF troops recaptured Badpash District of Laghman Province, while the Taliban claimed (Aug. 5) to have killed ten ANDSF personnel during an attack on a security post in Shirzad District of Nangarhar Province.

Abdul Rashid Dostum calls for political unity against the Taliban:

Uzbek leader Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum calledfor political unity against the Taliban, warning that the outfit was attempting to capture at least one Province. Dostum stressed that Herat, Takhar, Kandahar, Jowzjan and Helmand Provinces were under threat.

Antony Blinken speaks with Abdullah Abdullah:

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a teleconwith Chairman HCNR Abdullah Abdullah, called for an accelerated peace process towards a durable, just and inclusive political settlement. Both leaders expressed concern over Taliban violence and disregard for human rights.

Ghani meets Ebrahim Raisi:

President Ghani met Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, ahead of the latter’s swearing in ceremony. Raisi expressed support for the Afghan Government and called for the protection of rights for all Afghans, including minorities.