The Taliban on Monday seized partial control of the northeastern Afghan city of Kunduz on their third attempt this year, an AFP journalist and two tribal elders said.

"The Taliban have taken over our neighbourhood, which is part of Kunduz city, I can see their fighters all around," an AFP journalist in the city said.

A senior tribal elder said the militia had gained control of one of the city's districts, while a second elder added his house was now around 100 metres (yards) from their forward line.

Government officials denied the reports and said they are battling the insurgents on the city's outskirts.