US forces conducted an airstrike against Taliban troops on the outskirts of Kunduz in northern Afghanistan after the terrorists group seized the region.
According to Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook, the airstrike was a "force-protection strike conducted by a fixed-wing manned aircraft" in order to eliminate a threat to coalition and Afghan forces.
Cook said: "We strongly condemn the attacks in Kunduz, and stand with the Afghan people in our commitment to Afghanistan’s peace and security.
The capture of Kunduz, one of the largest cities in the country, marks the Taliban’s most significant military move after they lost power in 2001.
The city is strategically important as it is a transport hub for the north of the country.
Earlier Cook said that the strike was conducted by an F-16 while a Taliban target was advancing toward the airport in Kunduz.
US Army colonel Brian Tribus was quoted by Aljazeera as saying: "The US conducted several air strikes in the vicinity of Kunduz airport between approximately 11:30pm on 29 September and 1:30am on 30 September against individuals threatening the force."
Meanwhile, Cook added that Afghanistan has deployed thousands of military personnel to retake the city.
According to BBC News, militant violence in the country increased after Nato ended its combat mission in December 2014.
It is reported that several other regions in the country, including places in Baghlan province, several districts in Takhar province and Farah province, are also facing threats from militant troops.
