KABUL (SW): Government forces have launched counter offensives to reclaim Kunduz city early Tuesday morning.
Security forces have already reclaimed the public hospital and police headquarters. Reports suggest men from the Rapid Response Unit, forces stationed within the city and additional troops have entered the city and fighting was underway. Sarwar Hussaini, spokesman for the provincial police department, told Salam Watandar security forces have taken Taliban under siege from five directions.
After entering Kunduz city on Monday, the Taliban torched the local UNAMA office and residence of the government officials, Salam Watandar Correspondent reported.
Amruddin Walee, Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Council has confirmed it. He has said that no additional troops can been seen to push back the militants. Latest from Kunduz suggest the Taliban have entered the provincial capital. Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, spokesman for the Provincial Police Department said in this regard that fighting was on. Confirming the reports about prison break, he said government forces were defending the Police Headquarters.
Bordering Tajikistan, Kunduz connects a number of key northern cities in Afghanistan. Hundreds of Taliban stormed the provincial capital in the wee hours of Monday and were supported by group of insurgents within the city. The Taliban have claimed to have overrun a police station and a number of check posts. They also claimed to have killed 15 policemen.
Siddiq Siddiqi, spokesman for the Minister of Interior told journalist in Kabul that the government forces were bravely fighting the rebels. Siddiqui noted that the Taliban attacked Kunduz from ten different entry points.
In neighboring Takhar province, Sunat Taimor, spokesman for the Governor has said the Taliban have also attacked Ashkmash distirct in Takhar.
Recent reports suggest that Bala Hesar district in Kunduz was captured by Taliban a few hours ago.
Government’s officials have yet to comment on the collapse of Bala Hesar district.
Some security forces and locals said that Taliban impeded the supplying routes to the district and the government turned a blind eye to the issue and eventually the district was ceded to the militants.
Gawhar Khan Baburi, central Baghlan district chief, told Salamwatandar that Taliban have placed roadside bomb in three different points to the central Baghlan-Kunduz highway and have established checkpoints in the highway.
It is said that Taliban have also captured three police checkpoints in Dand-e-Shahabuddin area near Baghlan-Kunduz highway.
Intense fighting has also been erupting between security forces and Taliban in Ashkamish, Khwaja Ghar, Yangi Qala and Darqad districts in Takhar province.
There are no confirmed reports of the casualties yet.
It is said that a large number of displaced families, who fled Kunduz, poured into Takhar province.
