Afghan government forces in counter-attack have killed more than 40 armed Taliban insurgents, forcing the hardliner group to vacate many areas in and around Kunduz city on Tuesday, senior security official Mahfoozullah Akbari said.

"More than 40 Taliban rebels have been killed since early morning when the government forces launched counter-offensive and forced militants to retreat from several areas in Kunduz city," Akbari told Xinhua.

Taliban militants in a surprise move entered the northern Kunduz city, the capital of the strategically important Kunduz province, along the border with Tajikistan on Monday.

To recapture the city, government forces sent reinforcement to Kunduz and kicked off counter-operations, So far, according to Akbari, security forces have regained many areas captured by militants on Monday.

Four security personnel have been killed and 13 others injured during counter-offensive against Taliban militants, the official said.

Meanwhile, Zabihullah Majahid who claims to speak for the Taliban outfit, in contact with media has claimed that Kunduz city is still in the control of Taliban fighters.

Source : XINHUA