UN warns any fighting in Kabul would be 'catastrophic' for civilians

The United Nations said on Thursday it is particularly concerned about a shift in fighting in Afghanistan to urban areas, warning that if a Taliban offensive reaches the capital Kabul it would have a "catastrophic impact on civilians."

The Taliban claimed control over the second and third largest cities, Kandahar - the spiritual home of the Taliban - and Herat, and now control about two-thirds of Afghanistan.