Taliban Controls 85% of Afghanistan... Russia Warns

The Taliban delegation in Russia announced on Friday that the group has control over 85% of Afghanistan's territory, while Russia warned against "crossing borders," stating it will prevent any incursions in border areas. The Taliban delegation mentioned that they will "ensure that Afghan territory is not used as a launchpad for attacks against other countries," adding that they will not seize the capitals of Afghan provinces "by force." Earlier on Friday, the Taliban announced its control over a border crossing with Iran. Afghan security officials confirmed that Taliban fighters took control of an area in the west of the country on Thursday, which includes a key crossing with Iran. Last week, the Taliban swept through areas bordering five countries: Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Pakistan. On Friday, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Russia and the Moscow-led "Collective Security Treaty Organization" will "act decisively to prevent any attacks or provocations at the border," according to Reuters. The Interfax news agency reported, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry, that the Taliban currently controls more than two-thirds of the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan.