Thousands leave their homes as fights between Taliban and Afghan forces continue

People in large numbers fled their homes in southern Afghanistan following days of massive combat between the Taliban and defence forces of the country, officials said, as the struggle continues to soar notwithstanding ongoing peace talks.

Taliban fighters started a string of strikes on the city of Lashkar Gah in Helmand region on Sunday night, prompting the United States to call in airstrikes to support the Afghan forces.

The struggle triggered a journey of neighbourhood inhabitants who packed themselves onto motorcycles, taxis and buses.

“More than 5,100 families or 30,000 people have left the fight so far,” Sayed Mohammad Ramin, director of the refugees' department in Helmand, told AFP news agency.

“Some families are still remaining in the open in the ways in Lashkar Gah, and we don’t have facilities to provide them with tents or shelter.”

Local inhabitant Hekmatullah stated he was compelled to leave after a weapon hit his neighbour’s house, killing two women.

“The combat was so strong that I did not have any opportunity to take any other garments. I simply took my children and other family members,” stated Attaullah Afghan, a producer who escaped with his family of 12.

The fight was recapitulating in at least four areas on Wednesday, Afghan administrators said, figuring that defence forces have refused repeated Taliban assaults in the area.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said thousands had left and asked on Taliban fighters and security forces “to take all reasonable steps to defend civilians, including protected paths for those wishing to leave” the area.