DATE=8/6/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=AFGHAN-FIGHTING UPDATE (L-O)
NUMBER=2-265179
BYLINE=AYAZ GUL
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
///// NEW INFO GRAFS 4&5. /////
INTRO: After a quiet night, there are reports of
renewed fighting between the ruling Taleban and
opposition forces in Afghanistan. From Islamabad,
Ayaz Gul has details.
TEXT: Reports say the Taleban resumed attacks on its
opponents in the northern Takhar province. The latest
round of fighting is part of a week-long push by the
Taleban to try to dislodge the opposition Northern
Alliance from the province.
The Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press says Taleban
forces from the newly captured Ishkamish town and the
bordering Kunduz province took part in the fighting
(in the Bangi area).
The news agency says anti-Taleban forces of Commander
Ahmed Shah Masood launched a counter-attack to regain
the lost areas, about 25-kilometers from the
provincial capital - Taloqan.
Taleban warplanes are said to have bombed the Taloqan
airport, but caused no casualties on the ground.
Meanwhile, an opposition spokesman says their forces
have shot down a Taleban fighter plane. He gave no
other details.
It is difficult to confirm the reports of fighting in
the northern parts of the country because of a lack of
independent sources there.
Afghanistan's Takhar province borders Tajikistan,
which the Taleban accuses of helping the Afghan
opposition.
Forces loyal to Commander Masood are the last
obstacles to the Taleban winning control of the 10-
percent of the country outside its influence.
The hard-line Taleban movement captured the Afghan
capital Kabul four-years ago and has imposed a strict
version of Islamic laws in war-ravaged Afghanistan.
The Taleban is under fire from international human-
rights groups, particularly for its policies that ban
most girls from receiving an education and women from
working. (SIGNED)
NEB/AG/RAE
06-Aug-2000 10:04 AM EDT (06-Aug-2000 1404 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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