The Taliban attacked the centers of Balkh and Samangan

Security sources in Balkh province say Taliban fighters have attacked the provincial capital of this province.

Adel Shah Adel, spokesman for the Balkh police, said that last night Taliban fighters attacked the area of Imam Bakri Bridge, which was met with resistance from security and defense forces.

Mr Adel added that clashes between security forces and Taliban fighters were still ongoing in the area, but that security forces had prevented the group’s fighters from advancing towards the city center.

But Mohammad Afzal Hadid, chairman of the Balkh provincial council, said the fighting in Mazar-e-Sharif had now stopped.

He added that Taliban fighters around the city last night, facing resistance from security and defense forces.

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that last night the group’s fighters attacked Mazar-e-Sharif from four strongholds and entered Mazar-e-Sharif from Kutabarq stronghold.

At the same time, some sources said that Taliban fighters attacked the city of Aibak, the capital of Samangan province, last night, which was repulsed by security and defense forces.