Iran has announced the closure of its key border with Afghanistan in Nimroz province after the Taliban took over four provinces in the war-ravaged country.
The crossing point in the Milak district of Sistan and Baluchestan province has been closed due to a surge in violence in the neighboring Nimroz province.
The move comes two days after the Taliban toppled southwestern Nimroz province which obliged tens of families to cross the border into Iran from the provincial capital of Zaranj city.
Apart from the citizens of Zaranj city, Afghan government security forces also fled to Iran along with their armored and non-armored vehicles but the Afghan defense ministry denied the escape.
In recent conflicts, the Taliban took over Kunduz and Saripol provinces and have entered the central Taloqan city of Takhar province.
The collapse of major cities to the Taliban has infuriated the US and President Joe Biden ordered the use of B-52 bombers to target the fighters’ positions in Afghanistan.
Iran though did not officially deny accepting Afghan refugees in case civil war erupts in Afghanistan; Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concerns over the potential influx of asylum seekers which will endanger both Pakistan and Iran. (Khaama Press)