Taliban still in control of parts of Kunduz City, say locals

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Taliban are still in control of several parts of Kunduz City, residents said on Friday, contradicting security officials’ claim that the entire city has been cleared of insurgents.

On the night between Sunday and Monday, hundreds of Taliban gunmen stormed Kunduz City from various directions, capturing the strategic city after a few hours of clashes with security forces.

Earlier, Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Siddiqui told Pajhwok Afghan News security forces had launched a special operation on Wednesday night to drive militants from the city.

He said the security forces were able to take control of the entire city during the operation that continued until 3:30am. NATO forces also provided air support, Siddiqui added.

But Mohammad Anwar, a resident of Bandar Imam Sahib locality, a number of city areas were still under Taliban siege.

Cinema Street, Alokozai Warehouse, the Governor’s House, police headquarters, the municipality building, Nawabad and Fatima al-Zahra High School are under government control.

He said the situation remained tense, with residents in urgent need of drinking water, food items and safety. Prices of essential commodities have dramatically shot up in the city.

On the other hand, police spokesman Syed Sarwar Hussaini said the air and ground offensive had been halted and security forces had taken positions in parts of the embattled city. He insisted the entire provincial capital was under government’s control, as a search operation was underway to track down the insurgents. Hussaini did not give details about casualties.

Earlier, acting Governor Hamdullah Danishi had said at least 160 militants, including foreigners, had been killed and 60 others wounded in fighting.

nh/mud

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