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Taliban say pulling back from centre of Kunduz but can return


    KABUL (Reuters) - The Afghan Taliban 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.

    (Reporting by Hamid Shalizi; Editing by Nick Macfie)