DATE=8/21/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=AFGHAN FIGHTING (S/L)
NUMBER=2-252989
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Fighting continues in Afghanistan where
opposition fighters say they have gained ground
against the dominant Taleban Islamic movement. As V-
O-A's Scott Anger reports, fierce fighting has erupted
on several battlefronts reportedly causing a number of
casualties on both sides.
TEXT: Opposition spokesman Dr.. Abdullah says the
Taleban used helicopter gunships to attack opposition
fighters in Takhar province in northern Afghanistan.
He says heavy fighting began Saturday in the province,
where Taleban forces continue their offensive aimed at
cutting opposition supply lines.
Heavy fighting has also been reported about 40
kilometers north of the capital Kabul, near the town
of Karabagh on the Shomali Plain. Opposition fighters
say they have made gains in the area but the Afghan
Islamic Press news service reports the Taleban have
repulsed an opposition attack there.
Fighters loyal to opposition commander Ahmad Shah
Masood say they have seized territory in eastern Kunar
province, along Afghanistan's border with Pakistan.
The Taleban confirm fighting in the province but have
denied losing any ground.
///REST OPTIONAL FOR LONG///
The fighting is the latest after a massive Taleban
offensive last month aimed at finally capturing the
remaining 10 percent of the country controlled by the
opposition.
Meanwhile, the Taleban have denied a United Nations
allegation that it is using children as fighters
against the opposition. Taleban Information Minister
Amir Khan Muttaqqi says the United Nations is defaming
and pressuring Afghanistan by making these types of
comments which are far from reality.
On Friday, the U-N Children's Fund representative for
Afghanistan called on both warring factions to stop
recruiting children under the age of 18 to fight in
the bloody civil war. (Signed)
NEB/SA/JO
21-Aug-1999 13:25 PM EDT (21-Aug-1999 1725 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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