A number of political and jihadi figures said they are extremely concerned about the “sharp increase” in insecurity in the country’s north and that the “inattention” of government in this respect will provide grounds for “a sectarian” war in northern provinces.

The Taliban has overrun a number areas in the northern and north-eastern provinces. 

Currently, the group has control over seven districts in Badakhshan, Kunduz, Baghlan and Sar-e-Pul provinces.

“Threats exist but currently no district (of Faryab) is faced with the threat of collapse and the security forces' operations are ongoing,” said Anwar Sadat, governor of Faryab province. 

“The north will be turned into a second Syria and sectarian wars will be fueled if government takes no action. I am concerned about this situation.

Government should not stay silent about the situation,” said Balkh governor Atta Mohammad Noor.

A number of intelligence findings reveal that foreign militants are trying to take control of strategic districts in northern provinces including Burka district in Baghlan, Zebak district in Badakhshan and Darqad district in Takhar province.

“The wars in Afghanistan are plotted and organized by regional intelligence agencies and with the cooperation of (drug) smugglers,” said Mohammad Radmanish, spokesman for the Defense Ministry. 

“We do not doubt the strength of our security forces. They make sacrifices every day. However, the sacrifices of soldiers alone will not work if there is a lack of political will to end the war and ensure overall security,” said Fawzia Kofi, an MP from Badakhshan.

This comes after a number of Central Asian countries voiced their concerns about a sharp rise in militant activities in bordering areas of Afghanistan.