The Taliban reported taking several key buildings in a siege of the provincial capital Kunduz city in northern Afghanistan after launching a major offensive operation on Monday, RT reported.

The channel quoted Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid as saying that the group's militants have captured a 200-bed hospital and several government buildings.

Taliban reported taking several key buildings in a siege of Kunduz, a provincial center in northern Afghanistan, after launching a major offensive operation Monday, Reuters said.

He added that the militants attacked Kunduz from three directions.

Kunduz was at the center of fierce fighting between the Taliban and Afghan government forces in April.

Taking over the city would be a major victory for the militants, who are seeking to capitalize on the withdrawal of most foreign troops, who handed over most security functions to national forces.

Earlier, Afghan troops drove off the Taliban from most of the ground they took over during the warm weather fighting season.

Source: MENA