Taliban claim victory in last Afghan province to resist their rule

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a statement, saying Panjshir was now under the control of Taliban fighters

A damaged Afghan military helicopter is seen after the Taliban’s takeover inside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Picture: Mohammad Asif Khan/AP

The Taliban said they have taken control of Panjshir province north of Kabul, the last holdout of anti-Taliban forces in the country and the only province the Taliban had not seized during their blitz across Afghanistan last month.

Thousands of Taliban fighters overran eight districts of Panjshir overnight, according to witnesses from the area who spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing for their safety.