The Taliban began its assault on the city on 14 May 2018, using captured Humvees and Afghan police trucks to attack and overrun checkpoints and government buildings in Farah. Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid released photos of Taliban fighters in the city's central square, indicating Taliban control of Farah. Reports surfaced of the Taliban freeing hundreds of prisoners from Farah Prison. The Afghan government swiftly responded by sending reinforcements to the city. Afghan Airforce helicopters and American A-10 Warthog attack aircraft launched airstrikes on Taliban positions in Farah.
