At least 20 civilians have been killed and 10 others have been injured following clashes in northern Kunduz province of Afghanistan.
According to local government officials, said clashes between Taliban militants and Afghan security forces began five days ago in the vicinity of Kunduz city.
Provincial police spokesman, Syed Sarwar Hussaini, said Taliban militants launched coordinated attacks on security check posts in various parts of Kunduz city but clashes intensified during the past 48 hours.
In th emeantime, Taliban group spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said a prominent local police commander Qadirak was killed along with his two security guards in Se Dokana area of Kunduz city.
Mujahid said the ALP commander Qadirak was an oppressive commander and was killed in Taliban fighters ambush, and accused the security forces for civilian casualties.
He said the government forces used heavy weapons to fight Taliban fighters which resulted to civilian deaths.
