Afghanistan: Afghan families flee as Taliban take key northern district in offensive against government forces
Hundreds of Afghan families have fled fighting between the Taliban and government forces near the northern city of Kunduz as the insurgents captured a strategic district soon after launching their annual spring offensive.
The militants began their assault on the Qala-e-Zal district in Kunduz province on Saturday and captured most of it including the district centre.
The attack triggered intense fighting with government forces that sent civilians fleeing toward the provincial capital of Kunduz.
The Norwegian Refugee Council, which has offices in Kunduz, said in a statement that some families were forced to sleep in the open while others moved into the homes of relatives.