Clashes continue close to Kunduz governor’s office, police HQ

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Fierce clashes are ongoing near the governor’s office and police headquarters in northern the capital of Kunduz province, a public representative said on Friday.

The Taliban stormed the first, third and fourth police districts of Kunduz City at 11am, the provincial council chairman, Mohammad Yousaf Ayubi, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

“At the moment, the situation is worrisome, as fighting continues in the Bakhmal Street, just 200 metres from the governor’s office and police headquarters,” he said.

Ayubi claimed 50 percent of residents have fled the city, which was briefly held by the Taliban last year. Both offices are located in the fourth police district.

He warned the government against ignoring the situation, fearing large-scale civilian casualties if immediate action was not initiated against the insurgents.

Civil society activist Inayatullah Khaleeq confirmed clashes around the governor’s house and police HQ. Concerned at the situation, he said the interior minister’s recent visit had been fruitless.

But the governor’s spokesman Syed Mohammad Danish denied fighting near the two offices. Government forces killed 20 rebels and wounded 18 others in Nawabad area last night, he claimed.

Safiullah, police chief for the first district, verified clashes were ongoing in the area since 11.30am.

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