DHAKA: Afghan forces have arrived at Kunduz airport in preparation for a counter-attack on the embattled city, which was seized by the Taliban on Monday.

An operation would be launched in the coming hours, a spokesman for the Kunduz provincial police told the BBC.

Troops and officials retreated to the airport after militants overran the northern city capturing buildings and freeing hundreds from jail.

The attack comes as President Ashraf Ghani completes one year in office.

It is one of the most significant militant assaults in years and will pile pressure on Ghani’s unity government - Kunduz would be the first provincial capital taken by the Taliban since they lost power in the US-led invasion in 2001.

The BBC’s Dawood Azami says that although the attack is one of the most serious security breaches since the start of the Taliban insurgency 14 years ago, their main challenge will now be to hold the city.

BDST: 1255 HRS, SEPT 29, 2015
RR

** Taliban fighters raid Kunduz in Afghanistan