Afghanistan probably headed for civil war, says former US ambassador

Taliban have been taking over customs posts at Afghan border crossings, seizing government revenue

Troops patrol after taking back control of parts of Herat city from the Taliban on Sunday. AP

Afghanistan is likely to slide into a long civil war after US ground troops leave by the end of the month, a former American envoy to Kabul said.

Ryan Crocker, ambassador to Afghanistan during the Obama administration, said he did not foresee any chance that US troops would return.

“President Biden has made that clear. We’re going out and staying out,” Mr Crocker said.

He said US President Joe Biden’s decision meant he was “now taking complete ownership” of his predecessor Donald Trump’s policies for Afghanistan.

Taliban fighters took control of much of the capital of Kunduz province on Sunday, including the governor’s office and police headquarters, AP reported.

The Taliban has been gaining territory and taking over customs posts at Afghan border crossings, seizing much of the government’s revenue.

It now controls half of the country’s 419 districts and is putting pressure on provincial capitals, Gen Mark Milley, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last month.

On Saturday, US Central Command said that American air strikes had been hitting targets in Afghanistan to try to protect allies amid the Taliban advances.