“Dozens of armed militants overran Khan Abad district early Saturday morning”.
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Afghan officials in Kabul say a lack of ammunition and few reinforcements are the main reasons for the district’s fall to the Taliban, who are seeking to force the NATO-led coalition out of Afghanistan and bring in Islamic law.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that the fighters captured the entire district along with weapons and military vehicles.
Previously in September 2015, the Taliban insurgents had briefly captured the provincial capital of Kunduz for the first time since 2001.
Almost two dozen militants and security personnel have been injured for the control of Shahr-e-Kohna neighbourhood, according to the official.
The shadow governor of the Taliban group for northern Kunduz province has likely been killed in a drone strike conducted by USA forces.
Taliban militants launched simultaneous offensives in Khan Abad district of Kunduz province and Darqad district in the neighboring Takhar province on Tuesday and Wednesday, blocking the road linking Kunduz to Takhar province.
Provincial police chief Gen. Mohammad Qasim Jangalbagh said the Afghan security forces also suffered casualtie during the clashes and at least two of them lost their lives and six others were wounded.
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Taliban militants are yet to make comments on the situation.
