DATE=8/19/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=AFGHAN FIGHTING (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-265644
BYLINE=AYAZ GUL
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The ruling Taleban movement in Afghanistan has
reportedly carried out attacks against the opposition
fighters defending a key town in the
north of the country. From Islamabad, Ayaz Gul
reports.
TEXT: A Pakistan based Afghan news agency (Afghan
Islamic Press) says Taleban forces attacked opposition
defenses around the city of Taloqan
early Saturday morning. It says heavy fighting is
taking place in the region, which borders Tajikistan.
An opposition spokesman is reported as saying Taleban
forces are backed by heavy artillery and arial
bombardment.
There is no independent information about the clashes
in the area.
In recent weeks the Taleban has stepped up attacks in
the northern Takhar province and cut a vital
opposition supply line in the process. But it has been
unable to capture the provincial capital - Taloqan -
which serves as an
important base for opposition leader Ahmad Shah
Masood.
Meanwhile, reports say Mr. Masood's forces have made
territorial gains in the east of the country. An
opposition spokesman is quoted as saying their
fighters are poised some 15 kilometers from the
regional center, Jalalabad
close to the border with Pakistan. The spokesman says
the assault in the
area is aimed at reducing the Taleban pressure on the
northern city of Taloqan.
The Taleban rules about 90 percent of Afghanistan. Mr.
Masood's forces have
effectively blocked its attempts for complete control
over the war-ravaged country. (SIGNED)
NEB/AG/PLM
19-Aug-2000 08:05 AM EDT (19-Aug-2000 1205 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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