Provincial officials say the Taliban have taken two more provincial capitals in Afghanistan.

The insurgent group is pressing on with its relentless offensive as American and N.A.T.O. forces finalize their pullout from the war-torn country.

Two lawmakers from northern Samangan province said the provincial capital of Aybak fell to the Taliban on Monday afternoon without resistance.

They said government officials fled to another district.

The council chief of northern Sar-e Pul province also said on Monday that the Taliban overran the provincial capital, the city of Sar-e Pul, meeting little resistance in the last few days of their advance.

The government forces have now completely withdrawn from the province.