DATE=8/9/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=AFGHAN FIGHTING / L
NUMBER=2-265270
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Heavy fighting continues between Afghanistan's
ruling Taleban movement and opposition fighters in the
northern part of the country. As V-O-A Correspondent
Scott Anger reports, the Taleban -- which control more
than 90 percent of the country -- have launched an
offensive to try and capture a strategic town from the
opposition.
TEXT: Backed by heavy artillery and fighter planes,
Taleban forces continue to advance toward Taloqan --
the capital of Afghanistan's Takhar Province. Reports
from the area say Taleban forces are advancing from
the west and are within three kilometers of the city.
Taloqan serves as an important rear base for
opposition forces led by Commander Ahmad Shah Masood.
Also, critical supply routes linking Commander
Masood's stronghold in the Panjshir Valley to the
northern areas of Afghanistan run through the city.
The Afghan Islamic Press says most of the residents of
Taloqan have fled the intense fighting. During the
past two days, Taleban fighter planes have been
bombing targets inside the city.
There is no word on the number civilian or military
casualties from the fighting. The assault is part of
a major push by the Taleban to gain control of the
remaining 10 percent of Afghanistan outside its
influence.
Since capturing the capital, Kabul, in 1996, the
Taleban have been trying to spread their strict
interpretation of Islam throughout Afghanistan.
Commander Masood's opposition forces -- which remain
aligned with the ousted government -- are the last
remaining obstacles blocking the Taleban goal.
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
09-Aug-2000 05:55 AM LOC (09-Aug-2000 0955 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
