News

The Graphic Truth: Who controls Afghanistan?

The Taliban have made massive territorial gains in Afghanistan since the Biden administration announced that it would withdraw all US forces by September of this year. In many instances, Afghan security forces have abandoned their bases and handed over territory rather than confront Taliban fighters directly. Recently, Taliban militants gained control of major crossings, including the Islam Qala crossing between Afghanistan and Iran, which generates $20 million in monthly revenue for the Afghan government, as well as the critical Wesh-Chaman border crossing with Pakistan. With the US withdrawal already more than 90 percent complete, the Taliban already control more than half of all Afghan districts. So as the last few US forces prepare to leave, we take a look at who controls what in Afghanistan. Spoiler: it's a significantly different state of play from when we last mapped it out two years ago.

More For You

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, next to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after signing a joint defence agreement in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, August 7, 2026.
Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan on a Friday signed a joint defense agreement that characterizes an attack on one as an attack on all.

Jan Suraaj Party supporters celebrating after party win in Bankipur By-Election at party office on August 3, 2026 in Patna, India.
Santosh Kumar/Hindustan Times/Sipa USA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lost a by-election for a seat in the eastern state of Bihar that it held for three decades.