Khanabad district of Kunduz overrun by Taliban

KABUL (Pajhwok): After heavy clashes with Afghan forces, the Taliban militants on Saturday took control of the Khanabad district of northeastern Kunduz province, an official said.

Hayatullah Amiri, the town’s administrative chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News the insurgents launched group attacks on the district centre some days ago, with security forces ending resistance this morning.

“The district’s office complex is currently under Taliban’s control. Afghan forces have moved back three kilometers,” he said, adding he had repeatedly warned security officials of Khanabad’s fall, but no one paid any attention.

But the provincial police chief, Brig. Gen. Qasim Jangalbagh, was unaware of the district’s loss. “Some parts of the district have already fallen to Taliban, but I have no information about the entire town’s capture.”

He said heavy clashes between Afghan forces and the militants were currently underway in Khanabad.

pk/mds/mud