On December 16, the Afghan Defense Ministry announced that its forces will continue operations against the Taliban during the winter period. According to pro-government sources, the Afghan military is aiming to stop the onoing Taliban expansion across the country. This is highly possible because the Taliban often halts its offensive operations in this period.
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This year, the Taliban must continue to fight through the winter; however bad the conditions are.
If they close the gap to the West of Kandahar, it will split the Taliban forces in 2 and eliminate any supply lines. Someone needs to supply some winter gear including boots to them.