Military

DATE=05/01/02

TYPE= CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER= 2-289308

TITLE=CQ AFGHANISTAN CLASHES (L)

BYLINE= SCOTT BOBB

DATELINE= KABUL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

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INTRO: In Afghanistan, fighting flared between two rival commanders

near the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif today (Wednesday). Correspondent Scott Bobb

reports from Kabul that the Afghan Defense Ministry says several people were

killed in the clashes before the fighting subsided.

TEXT: The Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman says the fighting erupted

following a parade yesterday (Tuesday) in the towns of Shulgara and Sare Pul, 100

kilometers south of Mazar-e-Sharif. They say the fighting was between

supporters of two longtime rivals, Deputy Defense Minister Abdul Rashid

Dostum and General Atta Mohammed.

A delegation has been sent from Kabul to try to ease the tensions.

General Atta Mohammed and allies of his Tajik ethnic group reportedly

have been pressuring General Dostum, an ethnic Uzbek, to withdraw from

the area. Clashes between the two sides earlier this year killed dozens

of people.

The clashes follow fighting Saturday between two rival leaders in

Gardez, 100 kilometers south of Kabul, in which at least 25 people were

killed and 65 were wounded. Paktia Province Governor Taj Mohammed Wardak

told V-O-A in Gardez that supporters of former governor Padshah Khan

Zadran hit the city with hundreds of rockets causing considerable

damage. He said he has given an ultimatum to Mr. Padsha Khan to

surrender or face attack.

Afghan Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah Wednesday called the recent

incidents a cause for concern, as the country prepares to elect a grand

national council, or Loya Jirga, that next month will choose a

transitional government.

/// ABDULLAH ACT. ///

Perhaps the enemies of peace will try to make their (greatest) efforts prior

to the Loya Jirga. We should be prepared for it. But we should not be

panicked. But it should add to our resolve that we should put an end to

whatever remains of the forces of insecurity and instability in the

country, with the help of the international community.

///END ACT. ///

Meanwhile, the Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press reports that

international coalition troops have launched an operation east of Gardez

against Taliban and al-Qaida fighters.

The U-S Defense Department and Pakistani government this week confirmed

media reports that a small number of U-S special forces are in Pakistan

assisting Pakistani troops that are pursuing Taliban and al-Qaida forces

there. (Signed)

NEB/SB/SAB