KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- In the wake of Taliban advance in parts of the strategically important Kunduz province along the border with Tajikistan over the past one week, Afghan Defense Minister General Abdullah Habibi visited the beleaguered Kunduz city on Sunday and vowed to smash insurgents in the province and adjoining areas.
After meeting with local officials and military commanders, General Habibi told journalists that the government forces would soon launch major offensive to destroy Taliban and all anti-government militants across Kunduz.
The visit of the defense minister to Kunduz provincial capital the Kunduz city took place after the Taliban militants overrun vast areas in Qala-e-Zal district and captured Khan Abad district on Friday blocking the road linking Kunduz to the neighboring Takhar province.
Scores of Taliban and government forces have been killed for control of Kunduz over the past week.
Read the full story at Xinhua