The Taliban have seized the Bala Hisar fortress in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz. The fighters achieved the victory, despite NATO airstrikes and government efforts. More than 40 people died and 330 were injured in the fighting, including civilians. Many others have fled from the provincial capital.
This is the biggest coup for the Taliban since 2001, led by the group’s new leader Mullah Mansour. They have emptied safe deposit boxes at banks, seized weapons and vehicles, and released prisoners. It was also a public relations victory. Kunduz is one of Afghanistan’s richest cities. It is also a key transportation hub.
Now the Kunduz airport is the last stronghold of the military, since the Taliban was unable to capture it.
The U.S. government has admitted the Taliban victory as a setback, but remained optimistic the Afghan forces could retake the city.
But experts warn that Pul-i-Kumri, which is north of Kabul, could be the next area targeted by the Taliban, if the security forces don’t push them back in the next few days. Two units of the Afghan local police have surrendered their bases outside the city. Many resident have also left.
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