More than a thousand fighters who have been defending the city of Kunduz have surrendered to the Northern Alliance.
The number is said to include hundreds of foreign fighters loyal to Osama bin Laden. Others have remained in the city vowing to fight to the end.
Alliance commanders say they expect the Taliban command to complete its surrender of the city soon. It comes after a deal negotiated over the last several days, which promises a safe passage for Afghan Taliban fighters.
Several thousand other fighters, including Arabs, Chechens and Pakistanis, are to be held and investigated. US officials believe they may include some of bin Laden's key men.