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Fighting is raging around three major cities in south and west Afghanistan, as Taliban militants seek to seize them from government forces.

Herat, Lashkar Gah and Kandahar have seen continued clashes with Lashkar Gah in southern Helmand province under heavy assault from the militants, despite US and Afghan air strikes.

The Taliban have made rapid rural gains since it was announced almost all foreign troops would go by September.

The UK and US say the Taliban may have committed war crimes.

Diplomatic Editor Mark Urban reports.