At least 466 people, including 40 civilians, have been killed in ongoing clashes between the Taliban and Afghan security forces in Ghazni city, officials said on Tuesday. The militant Islamist group launched an offensive to seize control of the eastern Afghan city five days ago.

"Taliban deaths increased to 326 while we have 100 security forces martyred, among them 70 policemen. Up to 40 civilians have also been killed," Defence Ministry spokesperson Ghafoor Ahmad Javid told Efe news.