Afghan security personnel prepare for combat during an ongoing battle with Taliban militants in the Charkhab area of northeastern Kunduz province on August 20, 2016.  AFP / BASHIR KHAN SAFI
Afghan security personnel prepare for combat during an ongoing battle with Taliban militants in the Charkhab area of northeastern Kunduz province on August 20, 2016. AFP / BASHIR KHAN SAFI

Afghan district falls to Taliban



Kunduz, Afghanistan // The Taliban on Saturday captured a district in Afghanistan’s north eastern Kunduz province, near the provincial capital where militants scored their biggest victory in 14 years last September.

The militants have intensified their attacks nationwide and tightened their grip on the besieged capital of Helmand province south-west of Kunduz in recent weeks.

Khan Abad district, which is around 30 kilometres east of Kunduz city, fell to the Taliban after they launched a predawn attack on the district centre, according to local officials.

“After several hours of fighting the militants overran the district,” the district’s governor Hayatullah Amiri said, adding that the provincial governor ignored their calls for reinforcements.

Provincial spokesman Sayed Mahmood Danish confirmed the overnight battle, and said security forces were “trying to get back control of the district from the Taliban”.

Khan Abad resident Abdul Satar said hundreds had fled their homes amid the fighting.

“The residents of the city are worried about their lives and safety. People are fleeing their homes and they have left their shops,” he said, adding that roads to neighbouring provinces were closed.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the group’s fighters were in control of district and police headquarters.

Meanwhile, a roadside bomb ripped through a civilian vehicle in neighbouring Takhar province killing four people and wounding two others, said Sunatullah Temor, a government spokesman for the province.

Civilians are bearing the brunt of conflict in Afghanistan, with casualties soaring to a record high in the first half of 2016, according to a recent UN report.

Between January and June, 1,601 civilians were killed and 3,565 were wounded — a four per cent increase in casualties compared to the same period last year. Deaths from the conflict have reached their highest level since the UN began issuing its reports in 2009.

The Taliban briefly captured northern Kunduz city in September last year, the first city to fall to the insurgents in their biggest victory in 14 years of war.

The militants were driven out almost two weeks later by Afghan forces backed by US aircraft and Nato soldiers, but it marked the first time since 2001 that the Taliban were able to take control of a major city in the country.

After the brief Kunduz takeover, US and Afghan officials insisted that they would not allow another urban centre to be captured.

Earlier this month, the Taliban launched a major offensive in volatile southern Helmand province, surrounding the capital Lashkar Gah, a town of 200,000 inhabitants, but were stopped by Afghan forces supported by American air strikes.

The fighting in Helmand and Kunduz come as Afghan troops are stretched on multiple fronts across Afghanistan — including eastern Nangarhar province where the Islamic State group is making inroads.

*Agence France-Presse

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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

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Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
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Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
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• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
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Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
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Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
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• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
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Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
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Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

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