The Taliban launched a major assault on one of Afghanistan's largest cities, Kunduz, and intense battles were ongoing on Saturday, Aljazeera reports.
The complex attack came as the United States and the Taliban continued to seek an agreement in Qatar that would see thousands of American troops leave Afghanistan in return for security guarantees.
Officials said the assault started around 1am (2030 GMT Friday) when Taliban fighters targeted the city from several directions.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the attack resulted in the capture of several important buildings.
"The Taliban attacked Kunduz city from several directions this morning. We are in the city now capturing government buildings one after the other," he told reporters.
"So far, eight Taliban fighters have been killed in the east and west of Kunduz," Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, Kunduz police spokesman, told AFP news agency.
"The fighting is ongoing. Commando forces have arrived and are trying to repel the Taliban attacks."
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