There are also conflicting reports coming from Afghanistan about the casualties from both the sides. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Monday claimed that a suicide member targeted commando troopers in Se Darak area of Kunduz, killing 21 gunmen including senior officers while 30 others wounded. "Commando troopers of Kabul administration (were) targeted by martyrdom seeker at afternoon hours today (Sunday) in Se Darak area of Kunduz capital resulting in 21 gunmen including senior officers killed, 30 wounded", the Taliban spokesman stated in a tweet.
He further stated that clashes were still ongoing in Imam Sahib Bandar area of Kunduz capital, adding that the Taliban fighters have entered Chargaram Geri area of the city. In yet another tweet, the Taliban spokesman claimed that Governor Dashti Archi, Kunduz and a security officer were among the wounded in a 'tactical' explosion carried out by the Taliban.
"Tactical explosion targeted Kabul appointed governor for Dashti Archi Kunduz this morning near Abdul Wahab CP in the district center resulting in the governor, security officer, assist commander & 2 police critically wounded," the Taliban spokesman stated in a tweet. The latest offensives come at a time when a peace deal between the US and the Taliban is about to be signed.
Meanwhile, at the conclusion of the 9th round of talks with the Taliban in Doha on Sunday last, US Representative on Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad traveled to Kabul and briefed Afghan leadership on the draft framework agreement between the US and the Taliban in Kabul on Monday. Afghan President's Adviser Waheed Omer stated in a tweet that Khalilzad met with President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and discussed the draft framework agreement between the US and the Taliban.
Omer said that the draft framework agreement was 'shown' to President Ghani, adding that discussions with Ambassador Khalilzad and team will continue. According Lieutenant General Talat Masood (retd), a senior security analyst, as a peace deal is nearer to finalisation and the foreign troops will withdraw as result of the deal, the Taliban will try to present itself as a strong force within Afghanistan.
He said that unless a ceasefire is formally announced, Afghanistan may face such attacks from Taliban's side. He hoped that the US-Taliban talks will be followed by negotiations between the Kabul administration and the Taliban which may result in an end to the violence.