DHAKA: At least 46 security personnel, Taliban fighters and civilians have been killed in clashes in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar.

Officials say, reports the BBC.

Several people were also taken hostage in the Taliban assault on Kandahar airport, which began on Tuesday.

The airport compound houses the joint Nato and Afghan military headquarters.

Officials said the attackers had managed to breach the first gate of the complex. Gunfire can still be heard, and all flights have been cancelled.

The Taliban said it carried out the attack at the heavily fortified site.

The Afghan defense ministry said 37 civilians and members of the security forces had been killed, along with nine Taliban. A further 35 people were injured, it said.

A doctor at a military hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the BBC 41 bodies had been received, including four soldiers.

The hostages are believed to include women and small children.

BDST: 1824 HRS, DEC 09, 2015
RR