Taliban Assault Major Afghan Cities as US Troops Exit

ISLAMABAD - Government forces in Afghanistan battled a major assault Saturday by Taliban insurgents on Lashkar Gah, the capital of embattled southern Helmand province, and officials said clashes were ongoing inside parts of the city. 🔴 #Afghanistan: fighting taking place inside city of #Lashkargah in #Helmand. Our hospital is full. 4 extra bed spaces added so far.

Both warring sides reportedly suffered heavy casualties. The fierce fighting forced civilians to flee to safety amid allegations the Afghan air force had bombed and destroyed a city hospital. An Italian medical charity, Emergency, confirmed fighting was taking place inside the city of Lashkar Gah. “Our hospital is full. Four extra bed spaces added so far,” the organization tweeted.