Is the Afghan War About to End?

Taliban fighters have attacked the strategic northern Afghan city of Kunduz, setting off a major battle with security forces.

The governments says its air strikes have slowed down the militants, who entered the city from four directions.

But the militants have not retreated from their positions, reports say.

Reports say at least three civilians and dozens of fighters died. At least another 10 people were killed when a suicide bomber targeted city police.

The fighting comes in the midst of historic negotiations for a deal between the Taliban and the US.

Gunfire could be heard across the city, where electricity and most telephone services had been cut.

"The city is completely empty, shops are locked, people aren't moving, and light and heavy weapons can be heard in several parts," resident Khaluddin told Reuters news agency.

The Taliban said they had captured several important buildings while officials said the city was still under government control.

The attack shows the Taliban "don't believe in the peace opportunity provided by the US and the government of Afghanistan", presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Twitter.

The militants have captured Kunduz twice since 2015.

After an attack in September 2015, the militants managed to hold the city for two weeks.