Kabul - Several days after Afghanistan's government announced the retaking of Kunduz city by security forces, the Taliban said it had withdrawn its militants from the city.
"Retreating from the city and government buildings was made for a Jihadi interest," the statement said. "The aim was to prevent civilian casualties in air strikes, and in [the] long term, to prevent Mujahidin casualties and waste of weapons, equipments."
Kunduz city has seen intense fighting with government troops since the Taliban overran it on September 28.
Afghan forces took back all government buildings on October 1, but fighting continued in pockets.
"Kunduz city is now cleared of Taliban fighters," said Qasim Jangalbagh, the police chief for northern province also called Kunduz.
"A clearance operation is still ongoing in the outskirts."