Afghan Families Flee Kunduz Fighting

Fighting between Afghan government forces and Taliban insurgents in northern Afghanistan has forced thousands of people to flee their homes, officials say.

Around 2,000 families have been displaced since the Taliban launched an attack near the city of Kunduz more than a week ago, said Meher Khuda Sabar, an official in the Refugee and Repatriation Ministry.

Fighting between Afghan forces and Taliban militants has intensified since the militants announced the launch of their annual spring offensive on April 24.

Officials in Kunduz on May 2 asked villagers to leave areas where the army planned to launch operations against the Taliban forces.

Based on reporting by dpa and AP