Taliban rebels advance on Afghanistan border

Kunduz, Afghanistan: Taliban insurgents advancing on the capital of a northern Afghan province have captured a key adjoining district, officials said on Sunday, sparking renewed alarm among residents who fear the fall of the besieged city.

The capture of the worst-affected Chardarah district at the edge of Kunduz city reignited concerns over its potential fall as insurgents escalate their annual summer offensive. “The district has fallen to Taliban after hours of fierce fighting. Twelve Afghan forces have lost their lives and 17 have been wounded,” Chardarah district chief Mohammad Yousuf Ayubi said.