Taliban target provincial Afghan cities in response to U.S. Strikes, commanders say

KABUL, Aug five (Reuters) - Taliban militants have switched method from targeting rural regions of Afghanistan to attacking provincial towns, in response to multiplied U.S. Air strikes after the US stated it became ending its longest struggle, three militant commanders stated.

The Taliban have stepped up their marketing campaign to defeat the U.S.-backed authorities as foreign forces entire their withdrawal after two decades of warfare.

A regional U.S. Commander said late final month the United States had elevated air strikes to counter growing Taliban assaults, a circulate condemned through the Islamist group.

Fighting has been specifically heavy inside the town of Herat, near the western border with Iran, Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province within the southwest, and Kandahar in the south.

The three Taliban commanders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, advised Reuters that they were targeted on shooting Herat and Kandahar, with Lashkar Gah in their points of interest.

"Mullah Yaqoob argued that when U.S. Did not fulfil their dedication why have to Taliban be made to comply with the accord?" said one of the commanders, based in Kandahar, regarding the organization's military chief.

"Mullah Yaqoob has decided to seize Kandahar and Herat and now Helmand after which it may be Kunduz, Khost or another province," stated the commander, saying the navy leader’s arguments had received over the organization's political workplace.

A Taliban spokesman did no longer respond to a request for comment. Taliban negotiator Suhail Shaheen informed Reuters the organization became persevering with its coverage of seizing manipulate of rural regions and implementing Islamic Sharia there, in place of focusing on cities.

The Taliban, who dominated with an iron hand from 1996 till 2001, had stated previously they could cognizance on beneficial border crossings and huge rural areas, even though they've encircled and at times entered provincial capitals.

The institution has been waging a large nationwide offensive since April when President Joe Biden introduced troops could withdraw by means of September and as officers warned peace talks in Doha were failing to make noticeable development.

In recent weeks, there have been sustained assaults on Herat, Kandahar and Lashkar Gar, stretching Afghan special forces skinny and killing dozens of civilians.