The #Taliban tightened the noose around northern #Afghanistan Sunday, capturing three more provincial capitals as they take their fight to the cities after seizing much of the countryside in recent months. Fighting in Afghanistan's long-running conflict has intensified since May, when foreign forces began the final stage of a withdrawal due to be completed later this month. #Kunduz, #Sar-e-Pul and #Taloqan in the north fell within hours of each other Sunday, lawmakers, security sources and residents in the cities confirmed.

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