Military

DATE=12/01/2001

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-283755

TITLE=AFGHAN/FIGHTING (L-O)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

INTRO: U-S bombers have stepped up air attacks on the Taleban's last stronghold of Kandahar in southern Afghanistan, and anti-Taleban forces reportedly are advancing on the city. As Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad, U-S military officials are denying Taleban claims that they shot down an American fighter plane over the city.

TEXT: U-S warplanes have continued to pound Taleban targets and suspected al-Qaida hideouts around Kandahar. Witnesses are quoted as saying panic has gripped the city as U-S B-52 bombers mounted heavy raids throughout the night.

Meanwhile, U-S military officials denied a Taleban claim that a U-S warplane was shot down, saying all U-S aircraft are accounted for. The former Taleban ambassador in Pakistan, Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef, is quoted by the Afghan Islamic Press as saying Taleban fighters shot down a plane during Saturday's heavy U-S bombardment south of Kandahar airport.

The Taleban is under increasing pressure in its last stronghold. Reports say anti-Taleban forces are closing in on Kandahar, while at a desert airstrip southwest of the city, more than one-thousand U-S marines are waiting for orders in the war against the Taleban. So far, they have stayed out of the conflict.

Taleban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar has vowed not to surrender. He has told his forces to fight to death to defend Kandahar.

U-S aircraft also pounded Tora Bora mountains in eastern Afghanistan. It is reported that hundreds of members of the al-Qaida network are hiding in mountain caves. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/TW