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DATE=8/13/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=AFGHAN FIGHTING (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-265405
BYLINE=AYAZ GUL
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  There are reports of heavy fighting in 
Afghanistan, where the ruling Taleban movement has 
launched a new offensive on a key opposition
stronghold in the north of the country. From 
neighboring Pakistan, Ayaz Gul
reports.
TEXT: A Pakistan-based Afghan news agency (Afghan 
Islamic Press) says the fighting is taking place a few 
kilometers from the city of Taloqan, which
serves as an important base for opposition leader 
Ahmad Shah Masood.
The news agency says the ruling Taleban movement 
attacked opposition defenses around the city early 
Sunday morning in an attempt to advance
toward Taloqan, capital of Takhar province. But a 
spokesman for the opposition Northern Alliance says 
there has been no change of ground so
far. Both sides are said to be using heavy artillery 
in the fighting. 
There is no independent information of the clashes in 
Afghanistan's northern Takhar province, which borders 
Tajikistan.  Taloqan has been under Taleban attack for 
the last two weeks and most of its population has fled 
the latest fighting.
The Taleban, which controls about 90 percent of the 
country, has made some steady gains in recent fighting 
in the area and cut a vital opposition
supply line. 
Military observers says that if the Taleban can 
maintain its grip on the
supply line, Commander Masood's forces may find it 
difficult to defend other areas under their control.  
Anti-Taleban forces say they are ready to discuss a 
cease-fire with the Taleban under United Nations 
mediation. But the Taleban has reportedly
turned down the offer, saying its opponents are not 
sincere in their offer of peace talks.
Mr. Masood's forces have been offering a significant 
resistance and has prevented the Taleban from 
extending its rule over all of Afghanistan for nearly 
five years.  The on-going civil war in the country has 
claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and has 
destroyed much of the country's infrastructure.  
(SIGNED)
NEB/AG/PLM
13-Aug-2000 07:51 AM EDT (13-Aug-2000 1151 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.