Are The Taliban Gaining Territory In Afghanistan?

Afghan security forces inspect site temporarily seized by the Taliban in Helmand, picture courtesy: Press Association.

New research reveals the Taliban is gaining strength and territory in Afghanistan, with the militant group now openly active in 70% of the country.

A study by the BBC shows that nearly four years after British combat troops came home, 15 million people in Afghanistan are living under Taliban control or influence.

The Taliban hold complete power in 4% of the country and are demonstrating an open and active physical presence in 66% (this is defined as frequent attacks against government positions and military targets).

Afghanistan has been reeling over a renewed spate of violence, including a bomb blast killing more than 100 people and a 13-hour siege on Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel, which left 22 dead. 

President Trump responded to the recent attacks by ruling out any talks with the Taliban.

The study estimates that Taliban control is significantly higher than the most recent assessment by the NATO-led coalition, which said yesterday that the Taliban contested or controlled 44% of Afghan districts as of October 2017.

Areas that have fallen to the Taliban since 2014 include places in Helmand province like Sangin, Musa Qala and Nad-e Ali.

More than 450 British troops died in Helmand between 2001 and 2014.

The research also found that Islamic State is more active in the country than ever before, with a presence in 30 districts.