Heavy fighting continues for control of Afghan district

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Heavy fighting has been continuing for the control of Qala-e-Zal district in northern Afghanistan's Kunduz province, a local official Hajji Mohammad Hassan said Saturday.

Taliban militants have been mounting pressure to overrun the strategically important district along the border with Tajikistan.

Taliban militants, according to the official, launched multi-pronged attacks Friday morning and so far the insurgents have captured some security checkpoints.

Both sides have suffered casualties, the official said, but he could not give an exact figure.