Humanitarian Update for North Eastern Afghanistan
2 October 2015
Situation in Kunduz city
Reporting suggests that ANDSF are in control of large yet specific areas of Kunduz city.
There is still some sporadic fighting 1km SW of city centre in Spin Zar Park, and also SE of the city limits. Several areas of the city are abandoned and not occupied by either side. About 5,000+ ANDSF have entered the city, the majority of whom are police. There is no evidence of an AGE withdrawal however. Government forces are still facing considerable difficulty getting reinforcements into the city from the south due to IED placement, ambushes and road blockages.
Kunduz airport remains closed A planned ICRC flight on 01 Oct with MSF staff and medical supplies to Kunduz city was cancelled because of the ongoing fighting. Road access remains sporadic and is high risk in several locations.
There are multiple reports of large numbers of deaths and injuries on the AGE side but to date. Reports indicate that local civilians attempting to move around the city are being shot at, many having reportedly been killed in the crossfire.
Transport costs for local taxis has also risen sharply. There are reports of local civilians attempting to move around and being shot at and injured/killed. The risk of being caught up in crossfire is high. Communications are difficult and mobile phones are off.
The looting of a number of agencies’ compounds is now confirmed. This includes UN agencies, ICRC, NGOs and governmental department involving the theft and use of assets such as vehicles, computers and communication tools. In addition Agency and NGO compounds have been used as defensive positions by AGEs.
Water and electricity remain cut off in large areas and food is increasingly hard to come for local residents to source leading to a sharp increase in commodities, such as bread. Shops are closed and movements are very restricted.