The Afghan Taliban have launched a major assault on the strategically important city of Lashkar Gah. The city of 200,000 people is the capital of Helmand province, parts of which have been seized back by the militant group.<br/><br/>The new assault is their most concerted push yet into the city, in the south of the country. <br/><br/>At least 14 people were killed by a suicide bomber in Lashkar Gah today, including 10 police officers. The city was the scene of heavy fighting between the Taliban and Nato-led forces before their withdrawal in 2014. <br/><br/> Militant forces are said to have taken Bolan, an area close to the city centre, and are also said to control Nawa, which is often called the gateway to Lashkar Gah. Authorities have closed the airport as fighting continues.