Taliban militants attack Afghan city amid 'peace talks' with US
Tehran (KNA) - The Taliban have launched a massive offensive against Afghanistan’s strategic city of Kunduz in the midst of reports that the militant group and the US are close to a "peace" deal.
Witnesses said on Saturday gunfire could be heard across Kunduz, the capital of Kunduz province.
Heavy fighting has been going on in Kunduz city since Taliban fighters mounted attacks from several directions on Friday night.
The Taliban claimed they had captured several important buildings, while Afghan security officials insisted they had enough manpower on the ground to repel the attack.
"Security forces are repelling the Taliban attack on some parts of Kunduz city. Their top priority is to protect the civilians," Government spokesman Sediq Sediqqi wrote in a Twitter posting.
Afghanistan's Interior Ministry said at least 34 Taliban terrorists had been killed during ground and air operations in three areas of the city and that purging operations were still underway.
Reports said electricity and most telephone services were cut and residents were sheltering in their houses.
"The city is completely empty, shops are locked, people aren't moving and light and heavy weapons can be heard in several parts of the city," local resident Khaluddin told Reuters news agency.
Source: PressTV