Troops from Pakistan and defectors from the Afghan forces are swelling the ranks of an advancing Taliban force in the key region of Helmand.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban have reached Lashkar Gah, the capital of the Helmand Province. Although the government maintains it can hold its ground, the region is close of falling to Taliban forces, CNN reports.

Although the government in Kabul affirms the region of Helmand is holding, local sources are adamant that it is being lost, piece by piece, a...