Taliban advances closer to Kabul, takes control of key northern Afghan city Mazar-e Sharif

The insurgents also seized the capital of Paktika, an eastern province bordering Pakistan, lawmaker Khalid Asad confirmed to the AP. Early Saturday, he said, fighting had broken out in the capital, Sharana, and lasted until local elders intervened to negotiate a pullout. Local officials, including the governor, left for Kabul after surrendering.