An Afghan security force personel patrols in Kunduz on April 30, 2015.  Intense fighting flared in northern Afghanistan as security forces battled Taliban insurgents advancing on April 28 on a major provincial capital, officials said, with terrified residents fearing the fall of the besieged city.  Hundreds of militants closed in on Kunduz city after attacking outlying police and army checkposts on April 24, just hours after the Taliban launched their annual spring offensive.  AFP PHOTO / SHAH Marai        (Photo credit should read SHAH MARAI/AFP/Getty Images)