Thousands of residents have fled or face deteriorating conditions as fighting between Afghan forces and Taliban militants enters its third day in the embattled northern city of Kunduz.
Taliban fighters easily penetrated the city's defenses on Monday, raising questions about the capacity of the Western-backed security forces, even as international donors meet in Brussels to approve billions of dollars in new development aid for Afghanistan.
"Most civilians have abandoned Kunduz city and have gone to neighbouring districts or provinces," said Kunduz provincial governor Asadullah Amarkhel. "There is no electricity, no water and no food. Many shops are closed."
Government troops, backed by US special forces and air strikes, have made slow but "significant" progress in clearing the city, said Kunduz police chief Qasim Jangalbagh.
In social media posts, the Taliban rejected claims that the government had retaken Kunduz and accused security forces and US troops of committing abuses against civilians.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
The US military command in Kabul said there was "sporadic" fighting within Kunduz but Afghan security forces controlled the city.
American aircraft conducted at least two air strikes on Wednesday to "defend friendly forces who were receiving enemy fire", the military said in a statement online.
"The city is locked down," said Hajji Hasem, a resident leaving Kunduz with his family on Wednesday. "If the Taliban and air strikes do not kill you, hunger and thirst will."
