KABUL - The governor of northern Kunduz province has fled to Europe after Kunduz City, the provincial capital, fell to Taliban insurgents, some sources said on Tuesday.

Mohammad Omar Safi had been in Tajikistan, from where he was trying to reach London, a government official said on the condition of anonymity.

An Afghan diplomat in Dushanbe also wrote on his Facebook wall that the governor of Kunduz moved to Uzbekistan from Tajikistan, then Turkey to reach Europe. He wrote after obtaining Tajikistan visa, Omar wanted to head to Europe.

A Mesharano Jirga member, who also wished to go unnamed, told Pajhwok Afghan News Governor Safi went to the UK after the fall of Kunduz City.

Local officials on Monday said the Taliban had overrun the entire Kunduz City, capturing many government buildings.

But on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence said the provincial police headquarters and the central jail had been retaken from the Taliban, with the operation ongoing to clear the city of the rebels. (Pajhwok)