Biden says Afghan leaders must 'fight for their nation' as Taliban gains

Taliban insurgents tightened their grip on captured Afghan territory on Tuesday, now controlling 65% of the country, as US President Joe Biden urged the nation's leaders to fight for their homeland.

Pul-e-Khumri, capital of the northern province of Baghlan, fell to the Taliban on Tuesday evening, according to residents who reported Afghan security forces retreating toward the Kelagi desert, home to a large Afghan army base.