Afghan forces fight to retake pivotal northern city from Taliban

Afghan forces clashed with Taliban fighters in Kunduz on Tuesday as the government launched an operation to retake the centre of the northern city, the first provincial capital to fall to the insurgents since their movement was toppled 14 years ago. The Taliban’s new leader, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, celebrated the Islamist militants’ capture of Kunduz, saying in a statement that residents had nothing to fear. The fall of Kunduz city centre was a major setback for the government of President Ashraf Ghani, which marked its first year in power on Tuesday.

Fresh troops have arrived in Kunduz and an operation has been launched.

Afghan defence ministry

A government official at Kunduz airport reported heavy fighting, and said electricity and phone services were still out in most of the city. "Serious fighting is going on. New troops have arrived. The Afghan security forces have been retaking most of the strategic parts of the city and there’s gunfire in many areas,“ said Matin Safraz, an Interior Ministry official.

These conquests are result of almighty Allah’s support and the mujahideen (fighters) sacrifices. Therefore, officials in Kabul have to admit their defeat with courage.

Taliban leader Mullah Mansour

Politics Kunduz