The battle between Afghanistan security forces and the Taliban on the outskirts of Kunduz city is now in its third day and has both residents and MPs concerned.
Clashes are also ongoing along the Kunduz-Khanabad highway while Qala-e-Zal, a district of the city, that fell to the Taliban on Saturday, has still not been retaken by the Afghan army.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) officials however said they are trying to push back the Taliban from the area.
"The fight is in Qala-e-Zal district and we are committed to clearing the district of Taliban," Mohammad Radmanesh, MoD deputy spokesman said.
Meanwhile, a number of soldiers fighting insurgents on the Kunduz-Khanabad highway told TOLOnews over the phone that they are dealing with a shortage of ammunition and criticized government for not ensuring they had adequate military supplies.
The soldiers also said Qala-e-Zal district fell to the Taliban as they had not been given enough support.
"We have been told for three or four days that supplies have been sent to us but until now we have received nothing," said Rahimullah, an officer of the Afghan National Army.
Security forces stationed in Kunduz city, however, said they support the posts located around the city.
"We supported the check posts located on the highway at night," said Mohammad Rahim Kohdamani, Brigade Chief of Staff of Afghan Public Protection Force.
On Monday a number of MPs sharply criticized Kunduz officials for not maintaining security and said they should be introduced to judicial centers and should answer to the people.
"We received similar assurances from the army commander and the minister of defense, but after 24 hours, Qala-e-Zal district collapsed, eight people were taken hostage by the enemy, and the police headquarters was set ablaze," said speaker of the Wolesi Jirga Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi.
"These events are repeated in Afghanistan every day," said MP Kamal Safai.
"Those commanders who have committed negligence while on duty and who did not respond to the voice of the soldiers and his commander must be held accountable and they must be punished," said MP Abdul Rauf Enaami.
"The commander of the Kunduz unit has been proven as incompetent and a failed commander; he must be prosecuted... because he knows nothing about military and he is completely unprofessional," added Ibrahimi.
Kunduz residents meanwhile say they have become increasingly worried over the past few days and called on government to end the war in the province.
"Kunduz has been surrounded and people are worried that the city may fall today or tomorrow," Sahib Khan, a resident of Kunduz said.
"We urge government to take serious action to tackle the problems," Rahmat, another resident of Kunduz said.
A number of people who know the province said one of the key reasons for the Taliban's continued onslaught in the province was that smugglers, especially those involved in weapons smuggling, were very active in the province.
"Commanders (local commanders) sell weapons and then the buyers sell to others and finally these reach the Arab, Pakistan and Indian borders. It is the biggest route for drugs, cigarettes and alcohol smuggling," Abdul Karim Hashimi, a member of Afghanistan's Governors Association said.
Mohammad Aman, who lives with 11 family members close to the Kunduz-Khanabad highway has had to flee his home and take shelter at a friend's house on the outskirts of Kunduz city.
He said he and his family have repeatedly been displaced due to ongoing fighting in the area.
"Rockets and other artillery have smashed into people's houses. One part is at the hands of the Taliban and the other is by government. Either government or Taliban should take the city completely and leave us to live our lives," he said.
LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/6605
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