Taliban offensive forces thousands from homes

Kabul - Afghan officials say fierce fighting between government forces and Taliban insurgents in northern Afghanistan has forced thousands of people to flee their homes.

Meher Khuda Sabar, an official in the Refugee and Repatriation Ministry, said on Sunday about 2 000 families had been displaced since the Taliban launched a surprise attack near the city of Kunduz nine days ago.

Sabar, who heads the ministry's internal displacement department, said fighting in villages around Kunduz had forced people into the city.

The Afghan military has rushed reinforcements to Kunduz. Nato troops are present in an advisory and training capacity.