Kunduz

"Kunduz city has collapsed into the hands of the Taliban," Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told the Associated Press.

The fall of Kunduz marks a major setback for government forces, who have struggled to combat the Taliban since the U.S. and NATO shifted to a supporting role at the end of last year.

Military reinforcements have been sent to Kunduz, where government forces managed to fend off a major Taliban assault earlier this year. "We are trying our best to clear the city as soon as possible," Sediqqi said.

Heyatullah Amiri, district administrative chief of Khan Abad district, said a suicide bomber on foot targeted a meeting of criminal groups late Saturday. Twenty-five of those killed were members of the armed groups, including four leaders, while the remaining four were civilians, he said.

Amiri said 19 others were wounded, including 15 civilians.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack in an email sent to media.