Taliban militants launched multi-pronged offensive in Kunduz city the capital of Kunduz province 250 km north of Kabul Monday morning and have gained ground in the strategically important Afghanistan city.

"Dozens of Taliban insurgents have been killed and injured," police spokesman in Kunduz province, Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, told Xinhua.

"At least 20 dead bodies of Taliban have been left behind on the ground," Hussaini added. However, he didn't provide more details.

Hundreds of Taliban militants, according to locals, launched a coordinated attack on Kunduz city from several directions early Monday and have captured parts of the city.

All the shops are closed and people stay inside their houses, local resident Ahmad Nawa told Xinhua. He added that provincial officials retreated to Kunduz airfield as clash continues in parts of the city.

According to locals, there is no electricity in the Kunduz city and Taliban militants have entered the hospital to find injured security personnel and take them away.

Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid who claims to speak for the Taliban outfit in contact with media claimed that the Taliban fighters have captured Kunduz city and begun cleanup operations.

Officials here in Kabul have yet to make comment on Kunduz situation.

(Xinhua)