KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Taliban torched a marketplace and two private banks in Kunduz City, the capital of northern Kunduz province, and recaptured some areas, residents and provincial council members said on Tuesday, but security officials flatly rejected the claims.
Amruddin Wali, deputy provincial council chief, said during Tuesday’s clashes Aziz Bank trade market, and Bakhtar and Ghazanfar bank branches were torched.
He told Pajhwok Afghan News people had been complaining about homelessness, hunger and other problems, but there was nobody to listen.
“It is a shame for security forces that a few number of Taliban have gained control of large territories. It is due to the lack of war leadership that Kunduz is burning and its residents bearing the brunt,” he said.
Wali added since Tuesday morning until afternoon the Taliban regained control of localities including Bandar-i-Imam Sahib, Se Darak, Khan Abad, Khyaban road, Azadi road and areas surrounding the main square and the police headquarters.
Wasim, a Kunduz city resident, said the situation was very concerning and accused local officials of giving false information and assurances to Kabul.
He said since morning clashes were ongoing inside the city and Taliban remained in control of some localities.
Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, police spokesman, however, said security forces had control over areas they had regained earlier. He assured the situation was under control.
He admitted clashes inside the city took place intermittently, but did not give details.
Security forces in the past two days have regained control of major areas inside the city and according to eyewitnesses, the Taliban fighters have turned residential into bastions to stage attacks on security forces.
Some shops and markets have reopened in the city, but residents are still wary of the developments.
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