Taliban Seize Bilchiragh As Afghans Mark 99th Independence

According to Afghan authorities, Taliban forces have seized Bilchiragh District in Faryab province. The northern Afghan province, 1TV channel reported, fell to the militant group Sunday.

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Faryab Provincial Council chief Mohammad Taher Rahmani said 28 soldiers belonging to the national army was captured by the insurgents. The Council head claimed that more than 40 others had surrendered without incident, and fled. 

Sunday's seizure comes as Afghans celebrate their 99th Independence Day with various commemorative activities including President Ashraf Ghani wreath-laying ceremony at the Minaret of Independence.

ToloNews added that dozens of other Afghan troops, who were stationed at another military base in the annexed region of Faryab province, still remain unaccounted for from a previous attack. Afghanistan troops and insurgents have been fighting a decade-long war, resulting in countless deaths across the country.

The Taliban also captured Sainia base, which houses some 76 government troops, a spokesman for Shaheen Camp, Mohammad Hanif Rezaee, told Sputnik. At least 18 troops were killed and 12 injured during the attack.

The regional government has yet to comment on the reported fall of Bilchiragh.