Taliban say pulling back from centre of Kunduz but can return

The AfghanTaliban said they were withdrawing from the centre of the northern city of Kunduz on Tuesday in order to protect civilians.

The Taliban have mounted a wave of attacks in the capital Kabul and beyond, culminating in the seizure of Kunduz in a carefully orchestrated offensive.

"We assure our people and the world that we are able to seize the city," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.

Kunduz police chief Mohammad Qasim Jangalbagh said the city centre had been cleared and people who had fled were starting to return.