Kabul: Afghan forces recovered control over the strategic northern city of Kunduz, after a three-day Taliban occupation that served a major blow to the military. The government forces, backed by NATO special forces and the US air support, struggled to regain control of the city after three day of fighting. They were only successful of regaining control after an overnight offensive.
Witnesses said the streets were littered with Taliban bodies and that gun shots still echoed in different parts of the region. Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Seddiqi tweeted saying, “(Afghan) forces now control Kunduz City, it is retaken and being cleared (of) terrorists.” Deputy Interior Minister Ayoub Salangi said the city had been recaptured after a “special operation” overnight. However, Taliban spokesperson Zabibullah Mujahid insisted, “This morning we have driven out Afghan forces from the city and the Taliban are still in control.” But an Afghan Taliban commander who spoke to the media from an undisclosed location said that Taliban fighters were retreating from Kunduz. “The Taliban have almost vacated the main parts of the city but let me make it clear that we have proved that we can take control of any other city whenever we want,” he said.
“Afghan soldiers took down the white-and-black Taliban flag in the city square and hoisted the government flag,” Kunduz resident Abdul Rahman said. “The Taliban suffered heavy casualties last night. Dead bodies are scattered on the streets, and their supporters are carrying them out of the city wrapped in white cloths.” The capture of the city sent thousands of panicked residents fleeing as insurgents erected checkpoints across the city and were seen racing vehicles stolen from the police, UN and Red Cross.
