ISLAMABAD, May 5: The Taliban militia today launched a new offensive in the northeastern Afghan province of Takhar, capturing 10 posts from the forces of opposition commander Ahmad Shah Masood, the Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) reported. The Islamic warriors brought artillery and rockets into play in an early morning offensive in the Bangi area of Takhar province, AIP said.The fighting has claimed heavy casualties on both sides, the report said, adding Masood forces equipped with heavy artillery were responding with equal intensity.
AIP said each side had lost at least eight fighters, but the exact toll was feared to be much higher given the intensity of the fighting.
Masood troops had so far lost 10 posts to the Taliban, it said.
No independent confirmation was immediately available to the AIP report.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
