DATE=8/7/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=AFGHAN FIGHTING / L-O
NUMBER=2-265195
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Afghanistan's hard-line Taleban have captured a
key northern town from rival forces after heavy
fighting. As Correspondent Scott Anger reports, the
latest fighting is part of a weeklong push by the
Taleban to cut off opposition supply routes to the
northern provinces.
TEXT: After a night of heavy fighting and strong
resistance by opposition fighters, Bangi has fallen to
Taleban forces. Taleban control of the town blocks
one of several key supply routes between opposition
commander Ahmad Shah Masood's stronghold in the
Panjshir Valley and the northern areas of Afghanistan
still under his control.
Opposition spokesman Mohammed Abil told the Associated
Press the loss of the town is a big setback. As a
result of the Taleban advance, Mr. Abil says people
have started to evacuate Taloqan -- the capital of
Takhar Province, about 40 kilometers east of Bangi.
Taloqan serves as an important rear base for
opposition forces.
There is no independent confirmation on casualties
from the fighting.
The Taleban -- which control more than 90 percent of
Afghanistan -- have been battling the northern-based
opposition on several fronts in an attempt to control
the entire country. In its latest push, Taleban
forces have advanced east in an attempt to sever
opposition links to Afghanistan's northern border
areas.
The opposition -- which is aligned with the
internationally recognized, ousted government of
Burhanuddin Rabbani -- still controls parts of
Afghanistan's northern provinces.
Both sides have ignored repeated international calls
to end the civil war and form a government
representing all ethnic and religious groups in the
country. (SIGNED)
NEB/SA/WD
07-Aug-2000 06:58 AM LOC (07-Aug-2000 1058 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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