Sangin district of Afghanistan now almost entirely under Taliban control

(Vatican Radio) Reports characterized as “grim” and “desperate” are being used in reference to a Taliban takeover of the Sangin district of Afghanistan. Despite the police headquarters for the region falling on Wednesday, along with the main government building, Afghan forces on the ground state they are continuing the fight. They have ordered reinforcements but say that if the reinforcements do not arrive, they will be forced to dig their own graves.

Listen to Nathan Morley’s full report:

The area was handed over to US military forces by the British Army in September, 2010. Lord Dannat, former head of the British Army, says the area was secure when it was handed over. He claims that the new factor is a heroin trade.

All UK and US combat operations were withdrawn from Helmand province, in which the Sangin district is located, in October 2014. Approximately 9,800 US troops remain in the country and are involved in training or advisory roles. In his run for the Whitehouse President Barack Obama promised to end the US military presence in Afghanistan.