4th LD Writethru: Afghan gov't forces recapture Kunduz city, scores of Taliban killed

Afghan security forces backed by the air power recaptured the northern Kunduz city and the cleanup operation continues in search for insurgents, Kunduz police spokesman Sayed Sarwar Hussaini said.

"The operations for recapturing Kunduz city backed by U.S. military aircraft began at 11:00 p.m. local time Wednesday and recaptured the city at 5:00 a.m. local time on Thursday," Hussaini told Xinhua.

"Scores of Taliban militants have been killed, dozens injured and several others captured during the operation which is going on to ensure lasting peace in Kunduz and adjoining areas."

Meanwhile, deputy chief of army staff, Gen. Murad Ali Murad, who is leading the cleanup operations in Kunduz, told local media that hundreds of Taliban insurgents have been killed during the cleanup operations in Kunduz city.

He said the operation backed by the NATO-led Resolute Support ( RS) mission would last until complete elimination of Taliban militants in Kunduz city and adjoining districts.

In another development, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has sacked Kunduz governor Mohammad Omar Safi on charge of negligence.

Ghani also instructed armed forces to avoid harming civilians during the cleanup operations

Taliban militants who captured Kunduz city on Monday have yet to make comment. Endi