People evacuate from violence in Kandahar, Afghanistan. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

She said that the Taliban’s takeover of cities and districts has struck fear into the population, and warned that the proliferation of pro-government militias mobilized against the Taliban could also put civilians at risk.

At least 241,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of the Taliban offensive in May, according to the UN. Cities in northern Afghanistan are losing control as the Taliban quickly advances. Thousands of civilians have fled out of fear either of harsh rule by the Taliban or of bloodshed if the government forces try to regain control.