KABUL, 02 August 2021, (TON): Taliban fighters struck Kandahar airport in southern Afghanistan with at least three rockets overnight, the aim was to thwart air strikes conducted by Afghan government forces, says group’s spokesman.

Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson said “Kandahar airport was targeted by us because the enemy was using it as a centre to conduct air strikes against us.”

Afghan government officials said “the rocket attacks forced authorities to suspend all flights and that the runway was partially damaged. There were no immediate reports of casualties.”

Officials said “the Taliban see Kandahar as a major strategic point, which they seem to be using as a control centre for gaining complete dominance over five other provinces.”

Clashes between Afghan forces and Taliban fighters have intensified in the cities of Kandahar and neighbouring Helmand province.

In the west, Afghan officials said “Taliban commanders were swiftly gaining control of strategic buildings around Herat city, forcing civilians to remain in their homes.