The Taliban briefly seized Kunduz city a year ago and held off Afghan security forces, backed by U.S. troops and air power, for several days. Mahmood Danish, spokesman for the Kunduz provincial governor, said security forces managed to fend off Monday’s assault. Kunduz came under threat again in April, when U.S.-backed Afghan forces pushed the Taliban back into surrounding districts. Mohammad Yusouf Ayubi, head of the Kunduz provincial council, said the heavy battles had forced government offices, schools and shops to close. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the insurgents had captured several checkpoints in the city.

Source: thestar October 03, 2016 17:15 UTC