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Iran says in full control as Taliban claim capturing main border conduit

Friday, 09 July 2021 10:18 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 09 July 2021 10:36 AM ]

This file photo shows the entrance to Islam Qala, Afghanistan from Taybad, Iran.

The Taliban, which control eighty-five percent of the territory in Afghanistan, say they captured the war-torn country’s main conduit for trade with Iran.

The militant group said it will try to shortly put back into operation the Islam Qala border crossing in Herat province.

An Afghan government official said efforts are underway to recapture the border crossing.

Islam Qala is the second key border crossing the Taliban have captured since they launched a sweeping offensive in early May.

Brigadier General Farhad Arianfar, deputy chief of the Iranian Army Ground Force’s Operations, said Friday full security is preserved at Iran’s eastern borders.

“With the clever presence and efforts of the Iranian Ground Force in hundreds of kilometers along the eastern borders, as well as the efforts of zealous border guards in the border areas with Sistan and Baluchestan Province and coordination with the dear forces of the IRGC, we closely monitor the slightest movements near the borders and will not allow the slightest illegal motion through these borders,” he said.

Hosting intra-Afghan talks, Iran says ready to help restore peace to its neighbor

As Tehran hosts a round of intra-Afghan talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tells the representatives of the Kabul government and the Taliban group that the Islamic Republic stands ready to help the neighboring country end violence and achieve lasting peace.

General Arianfar made the remarks during a visit to Iran’s eastern borders.

“The southeastern and eastern borders of the country are under 24-hour surveillance and are fully secure,” he added.

Over the last week, the Taliban have overrun areas bordering five countries – Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, China and Pakistan – amid the United States’ withdrawal of its forces from the country to end its 20-year military intervention.

According to Russia, the Taliban currently control more than two-thirds of the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Moscow has urged all sides of the conflict to show restraint.

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