A statement issued by the US Embassy in Afghanistan said: "We condemn the Taliban’s violent new offensive against Afghan cities. This includes the unlawful seizure of Zaranj, the capital of Afghanistan’s Nimroz province, the attack on Sheberghan, capital of Jowzjan province yesterday and today, and continuing efforts to take over Lashkar Gah in Helmand and provincial capitals elsewhere."

"These Taliban actions to forcibly impose its rule are unacceptable and contradict its claim to support a negotiated settlement in the Doha peace process.  They demonstrate wanton disregard for the welfare and rights of civilians and will worsen this country’s humanitarian crisis," read the statement.

"We call for the Taliban to agree to a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire and to engage fully in peace negotiations to end the suffering of the Afghan people and pave the way for an inclusive political settlement that benefits all Afghans and ensures that Afghanistan does not again serve as a safe haven for terrorists," the statement further said.

Meanwhile, the Taliban terrorists have captured the northern Afghan city of Kunduz following a fierce battle with the country's security forces.

A local official told the BBC all but the city's airport had fallen to the militants. The group's flag was seen raised in the city centre.

Chaotic scenes have been reported with buildings and shops ablaze, reports BBC.

The Taliban has captured four important regional capitals in the country so far since Friday.

Kunduz remains the most crucial city among them all.

The militants also fought their way into another northern city, Sar-e-Pul, which was captured within hours of Kunduz. Afghan officials insist their forces still remain in the cities that have fallen, and fighting is ongoing, reports BBC.

Violence has escalated in Afghanistan ever since foreign forces started leaving the country.

The Taliban group started capturing several regions in the war-torn nation since then.