The Taliban has reportedly regained control of the northern city of Kunduz, after days of intense fighting against Afghan troops backed by US air strikes, Al Jazeera has learnt.
Earlier on Sunday, Government forces, which have been trying to take control of the city, said they had made gains, but those appear to have been shortlived.
At around 1200 GMT, Taliban fighters launched counter-attacks, driving back Government forces from the areas, where they had earlier made gains.
“It is a very fragile situation. Afghan security officials are telling us that they are suffering from lack of leadership and coordination,” said an official.
Even with the deployment of 7,000 troops, our correspondent said, the Government is still unable to retake the strategic city.
In a big jolt to the Government of President Ashraf Ghani, the Taliban launched an attack and captured the northern city on Monday.
“They are also telling us, that they are moving slowly, because they claim the Taliban fighters are hiding in residential areas. They said, they want to avoid civilian casualties, so they have to do door-to-door search.”
A Kunduz residents, who just escaped the city to Puli Khumri, also confirmed that Taliban fighters have taken over civilians homes, and have refused to let residents leave.