A member of the Afghan Special Forces directs traffic during a rescue mission in Kandahar province
Reuters: Russia says Afghan Taliban offensive running out of steam - report
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Taliban offensive in Afghanistan is "gradually running out of steam" as the group lacks resources to take over major cities, Interfax news agency quoted a senior official at Russia's foreign ministry as saying on Thursday.
Alexander Vikantov, deputy head of information and press at the ministry, cited examples where Afghan government forces were able to retake some districts captured by the Taliban last month, although he added that insurgent activity was notable this month near big provincial centres.
"The Taliban lack the resources to take over and hold major cities including the capital, Kabul. Their offensive is gradually running out of steam," he said.
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WNU Editor: This Russian report/analysis is here .... Taliban has no resources to seize Kabul, its offensive loses momentum — Russian diplomat (TASS).
Russian news media is basically saying that US airstrikes, the use of AC-130 gunships, and drone strikes are shifting the fight back to the Afghan military. The Russian government is also mentioning that Taliban militants are crossing en masse into the territory of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan while waging battles against the Afghan military.
