Fighting Ongoing in Kunduz City, Clearing Operation Launched

Heavy clashes continue in Kunduz city in the northern province of Kunduz since their start on Saturday night, according to security sources.

Dozens of shops and buildings have caught fire in fighting around the Kunduz airport and police HQ in the city, the sources said.

“The Taliban have taken Chawk-e-Kunduz (the center of the city),” sources said.

Dozens of families have evacuated their homes.

Taj Mohammad, a commander leading Afghan commandos, said: “The enemies have intensified attacks in Kunduz city over the past 24 hours during which they suffered heavy casualties.”

He assured the residents of Kunduz that the security forces will defend the city.

The Defense Ministry in a statement said that Afghan commandos have launched a clearance operation in the city, adding that Gen. Raziq roundabout and national TV building have been cleared of Taliban.