According to a New York Times article citing three anonymous American officials, US intelligence monitored electronic data showing large financial transfers from a bank account controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency to a Taliban-linked account, which the Times offers as evidence potentially supported allegations that Russia covertly offered bounties for killing US and coalition troops in Afghanistan.

Speaking to TOLOnews, Obaidullah, the chief of the Baghlan police, also said that Russia is supporting the Taliban.

Eight mortar rounds were fired in Logar on Wednesday as President Ashraf Ghani and a high-level delegation made a visit to his home province, during which time he gave a speech pledging to improve the security situation.

Ghani pledged to war-weary Afghans that he would mend the fragile security situation and bring peace.