Taliban militants retreat from Kunduz city

Taliban militants who captured Kunduz city, the capital of Kunduz province 250 km north of Kabul on Sept. 29, have confirmed their withdrawal from the city, on Tuesday, in the wake of stiff resistance from the government forces.

"For the safety and security of the people of Kunduz, Taliban fighters have avoided fighting and withdrew the city," Taliban said in a statement sent to media outlets.

However, the armed outfit in the statement said, "Taliban have achieved their goals in Kunduz city by releasing all detainees from government prison and capturing arms and ammunitions from the government forces."

Meantime, Kunduz police chief Qasim Jangle Bagh in talks with media on Tuesday confirmed that the Taliban militants, after suffering huge casualties, retreated from the city.

The security forces would chase the armed militants to ensure lasting peace in Kunduz and adjoining areas, the police official asserted.