Afghan Defense Minister Bismillah Mohammadi announced regaining control over three areas in the northern province of Baghlan, which were controlled by the "Taliban" Movement.

Furthermore, the Russian Sputnik news agency reported that "elements of the former Afghan government forces took control of two districts in the Afghan province of Baghlan."

Sputnik also quoted a local source in Baghlan, today, Friday, as saying that "elements of the former government forces and local commanders took control of the districts of Qasar and Boli Hisar."

The source told the agency that "the clashes resulted in the killing and wounding of dozens from the Taliban."

Today, Friday, demonstrators in several Afghan cities took to the streets to reject the "Taliban" Movement's control of power in the country.

Taliban Spokesperson Suhail Shaheen confirmed today that the quest for "forming an Afghan government will not only include Taliban leaders, but also other politicians."

Shortly after the escape of resigned Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the Defense Minister criticized his decision, saying that the president "tied our hands and fled abroad."

On August 4, the "Taliban" Movement claimed responsibility for the attack that targeted Afghan Defense Minister Bismillah Mohammadi in the capital, Kabul, which left eight people dead, threatening senior government officials with new attacks.