US Intelligence predicts Taliban might take Afghan capital in 90 days

As the resurgent militants of Taliban have made more advances across Afghanistan, the militant group could possibly take over Afghanistan's capital in 90 days, reports Reuters quoting a US defence official as saying.

The new assessment of how long Kabul could stand was a result of the Taliban's rapid gains as US-led foreign forces leave, said the official citing US intelligence while speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity

A senior EU official quoted as saying that the militant group now control 65% of Afghanistan and have taken or threaten to take 11 provincial capitals, Faizabad, in the northeastern province of Badakhshan, on Wednesday became the eighth provincial capital to be seized by the Taliban.

Foreign countries are trying to ensure their staff leave Kabul quickly, five foreign security officials told Reuters. One said international airlines were also being asked to evacuate staff.

Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday that conflict in different parts of Afghanistan in the last week has driven tens of thousands of people away from their homes,

The office said that they are part of the nearly 390,000 people displaced by hostilities this year, with a massive spike since May. Many of the displaced fled to Kabul and other large cities.

Most of the displaced in the capital city are staying with families and friends, with a growing number camping in the open, facing increased vulnerability, it said. More than 5,800 internally displaced persons arriving in Kabul between July 1 and August 5 needed food, household items, water and sanitation support and other assistance.

Ten humanitarian teams on Wednesday assessed the needs of people staying outside in parks and other open spaces and identified an additional 4,522 displaced persons lacking shelter, food, sanitation and drinking water, OCHA said. A temporary health clinic and mobile health teams provided health services.

While the humanitarians said they intend to stay despite increasing hostilities to deliver relief, it depends on staff safety, bureaucratic hurdles and raising additional funds.

The $1.3 billion Humanitarian Response Fund for Afghanistan is just 38 per cent funded, leaving an almost $800 million shortfall.