Clashes between Afghan security forces and the Taliban in the northern city of Kunduz have killed more than 30 fighters, officials told Reuters on Monday.
The heavy fighting on the southern outskirts of Kunduz spread and broke into the city, leading President Ashraf Ghani to delay his flight to India by several hours to meet with NATO, according to Reuters.
Officials said hundreds of Taliban extremists have attacked police and army checkpoints in the province of Kunduz, the militants' last stronghold before US forces drove them out in 2001. The group said in a statement its annual offensive will focus attacks on army bases and foreign occupiers.
Abdul Waseh Basel, spokesman for the provincial governor, told Reuters the Taliban threaten to overrun the city after the fighting killed eight Afghan soldiers and at least two dozen extremists.
"The threat level is very high, but with new enforcements our security forces have gained morale and god willing, we will win the fight," Basel said.
Ghani after the incident met with NATO Gen. John Campbell at the presidential palace to discuss the fighting.
The Taliban have stepped up their attacks as part of their spring offensive, which was launched Friday.
