In Afghanistan, Taliban have captured the city of Mazar-i-Sharif and are edging closer to the capital Kabul.

The fall of Mazar-i-Sharif, the country's fourth largest city, which Afghan forces and two powerful former warlords had pledged to defend, have resulted in the Taliban's control over all of northern Afghanistan.

After taking control of Mazar-i-Sharif, Taliban have now seized control of 22 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces.

Abas Ebrahimzada, a lawmaker from the Balkh province where the city is located, said the Afghan National Army surrendered first, which prompted pro-government militias and other forces to lose morale and give up in the face of a Taliban onslaught.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has approved additional military forces to go to Kabul to help ensure safe evacuation of diplomats from Afghanistan.

In a statement, President Biden said he has approved one thousand additional US troops to earlier announced 4,000.