FAIZABAD - After fierce fighting with security forces, Taliban insurgents seized control of Wardoj district of northern Badakhshan province, Afghan security officials confirmed, stating that Taliban assaulted Wardoj late Thursday night which led to the collapse of the district.

The fighting erupted late night and lasted for several hours, resulting in the collapse of the province to the Taliban.

Reacting to the fall of Wardoj, Afghan security officials stressed that a military campaign of Afghan national army and other relevant security agencies is underway to retake the district.

Meanwhile, Badakhshan provincial council has said that the Taliban are making gains in some other parts of the province after taking control of Wardoj.

In a new development, Taliban managed to take control of Baharak district on Friday.

"If the collapse of Wardoj and Baharak districts to Taliban not handled, this will bring Faizabad, center of the province under threat," MP Fawzia Kofi said.

"Unfortunately, the government has not been able to deploy the forces in a good way in Badakhshan, the forces do not have serious determination to fight," MP Amanullah Paiman said.

"Taliban have seized control of only two CHECK posts in Wardoj, we have launched operation in the area," a defense ministry of spokesman Dawlat Waziri said.

"Issues which have emerged in Badakhshan are under our study and soon we will address these issues," spokesman to ministry of interior Sediq Sediqqi said.

Wardoj district saw some of the fiercest battles between Taliban and Afghan forces over the past two years. Unrest in the district has left several casualties among Afghan troops. A few months ago, 16 troops were killed in a Taliban ambush.

Wardoj collapsed just days after the Taliban this week got control of the strategic city of Kunduz in northern Afghanistan - the first such incident since a U.S –led western coalition toppled the regime from power back in 2001. (Tolonews)