Gun battle leaves 44 dead in northern Afghan province

Afghan security personnel take part in a military operation against Taliban militants in Kunduz province, Afghanistan, May 8, 2017. At least 44 persons including 40 militants have been killed as fighting has been continuing between Taliban and government forces in the northern Kunduz province over the past two days, provincial police chief Abdul Hamid Hamidi said Monday.(Xinhua/Ajmal Kakar)