US says Taliban has momentum right now, pins blame on Afghan government

The Pentagon acknowledged on Sunday that the Taliban has the momentum right now in Afghanistan as it has gained control over more territories than ever before.

Blaming the civilian leadership rather than the capabilities of the Aghanistan's military for the Taliban's progress, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told Fox News that the US is certainly watching with deep concern.

Kirby said the US is not unmindful, which is why the Joe Biden administration is working with Afghan partners to encourage them to use the capacity and the capability that the US know they have.

He said this is the time for Afghanistan's civil leadership to step up.

The remarks from the Pentagon came in the backdrop of reports that the Taliban has made huge territorial gains in Afghanistan. Taliban militants are now thought to be controlling about a third of the war-torn country.