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| An A-29 Super Tucano flies over Afghanistan during a training mission April 6, 2016 (Image: Wiki Commons) |
by Sonil Haidari
Local officials confirmed Monday that the Afghan air force has carried out air strikes against Taliban strongholds on the outskirts of Kunduz city following a coordinated attack by the insurgent group overnight.
However, insurgents are believed to be hiding out in civilian homes, residents confirm. The city's streets meanwhile were also largely deserted on Monday, with people holed up in their homes.
Shops and businesses are closed – as well as schools - while highways into the city are also closed to traffic.
Unconfirmed reports indicate the Taliban has advanced on the city and is close to the center.
Officials said that by late morning Monday, heavy clashes were still ongoing between insurgents and security forces.
They said that the Taliban launched a coordinated attack from four different directions overnight.
Earlier reports indicated that officials were confident insurgents would not be able to enter Kunduz city but residents claim the Taliban has managed to get in to some parts of the city.
In addition, residents claim the highway to Ali Abad district from the city is closed.
Kunduz residents also claim that currently clashes are ongoing in Bandar-e-Khan Abad, Se Sarak and Zakhil area in the western parts of the city.
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