The Latest: Taliban seize half of northern Afghan city

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - The latest developments in a major Taliban offensive launched against the northern Afghan city of Kunduz, where intense battles are underway with government forces.

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4:45 p.m.

An Afghan police official says Taliban fighters have captured more than half of a major northern city after launching coordinated attacks.

Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, spokesman for the provincial police chief of Kunduz, told The Associated Press on Monday that gun battles are still underway between Taliban militants and Afghan government forces.

He says Taliban gunmen have occupied a number of government buildings in the city, including a hospital and a courthouse.

Kunduz city, capital of the province of the same name, has twice come under attack by the Taliban this year. The strategically situated city was once one of Afghanistan's wealthiest.