Military

DATE=12/01/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=AFGHANISTAN FIGHTING (L-Only)

NUMBER=2-296981

BYLINE=JIM TEEPLE

DATELINE=KABUL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Factional fighting in western Afghanistan has left at least 11 people dead. V-O-A's Jim Teeple reports from Kabul, U-S B-52 bombers struck positions in the area of the fighting on Sunday, to assist U-S Special Forces who had come under attack.

TEXT: U-S B-52 bombers dropped seven bombs near the Shindand air base in Herat province, after a U-S Special Forces convoy came under attack. No U-S casualties are reported in the incident.

A spokesman for the coalition forces in Afghanistan says the U-S forces were on routine patrol in the area south of the city of Herat, and near the site of heavy factional fighting.

It is not clear if the U-S forces were fired on by one or both sides involved in the factional fighting, or if they were attacked by other forces.

Fighting broke out south of the Shindand air base on Saturday between forces loyal to Herat's governor, Ismail Khan, and a regional commander, Ammanullah Khan.

Ismail Khan's primarily Tajik forces, and Ammanullah Khan's primarily Pashtun fighters have fought a series of battles, since the collapse of Taleban rule in the area last year.

Both sides traded accusations on Sunday over who started the fighting, which was described as heavy and involved artillery. The administration of Afghan President Hamid Karzai has reportedly sent a delegation to the area to try and ease tensions. (Signed)

NEB/JLT/TW