Taliban insurgents have fought their way into the center of a regional capital in Afghanistan in the worst breach of a major city in nearly 14 years of war, Sky News reported on Monday.

The hard-line militants are said to have advanced close to the governor's compound in Kunduz, after launching a three-pronged dawn attack.

A witness said the Taliban have raised a flag over the city's main square, while a police official confirmed the raiders had captured more than half the city.

During fierce clashes, the gunmen briefly seized a hospital, apparently looking for wounded government fighters.

They have also occupied a number of other government buildings.

Reinforcements are being sent to the northern provincial capital in a bid to prevent the city falling completely into Taliban hands.

Source: MENA