Taliban victory Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) Timeline Major operations Airstrikes Major insurgent attacks 2002 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Massacres Other The capture of Zaranj, the capital of Nimruz Province, Afghanistan, by the Taliban occurred on 6 August 2021.

[2][3] Zaranj had minimal government presence prior to its capture by the Taliban and had never been the target of international military operations.

Due to lack of security it was Afghanistan's migrant hub and smuggling center with frequent kidnappings.

The head of the provincial council responded, saying officials decided to leave to minimize civilian casualties, denying the making of a deal with the Taliban.

[7][13] After the battle was over, the Afghan Air Force dropped airstrikes on the police headquarters and border brigade.

[7] One airstrike hit a gathering of Taliban, reportedly killing 14, including Nimruz Province shadow governor Abdul Khaliq.

Zaranj fell within a day because of a lack of connection to the government in Kabul and international businessmen as local power brokers.

[7] The capture provides the Taliban with another source of revenue from custom fees; the Afghan government collects 175 million U.S. dollars per year.