AFGHANISTAN: FIGHTING IN COMBAT ZONE INTENSIFIES

(13 Nov 1996) Natural Sound

Fighting in the combat zone in Afghanistan, just north of Kabul, has intensified in the last few days.

Taliban forces have claimed significant gains over the northern alliance led by former military chief Ahmed Shah Massoud and warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum.

In Kabul itself, the Taliban militia continue to keep a strict rein on the lives of local Afghans.

Tracer fire lights up the early morning sky along the frontline, about 20 miles north of the Afghan capital, Kabul.

The Taliban religious army fire barrages of rocket and cannon fire towards the north where the alliance forces of Ahmed Shah Massoud and Rashid Dostum are dug in.

Over the weekend, Taliban jets targeted key alliance positions including Kabul airport.

During a lull in the fighting, these soldiers from the Taliban militia celebrate what they claim have been major advances into alliance territory.

But there's been no independent confirmation of such gains.

Ironically enough, it's understood that any dancing is strictly forbidden under the Taliban regime.

But if the rules are occasionally overlooked on the frontline, they are still being strictly enforced in the capital.

Armed militia can be seen everywhere. The Taliban believe in the most extreme interpretation of Islamic law, but put their faith in the gun to ensure its carried out.

Locals are under constant watch from groups of militia who patrol Kabul's streets.

The soldiers use lengths of hose-pipe to horsewhip anybody who breaches the strict codes.

At their discretion, people are stopped in the street and forced to go to the nearby mosque to pray.

There appears to be no attempt by locals to question their orders for fear of the extreme punishments that could be handed out.

It's reported that while villagers along the frontline are coming to Kabul in search of a haven, Kabul residents are streaming out, either to far northwestern Afghanistan or to neighbouring Pakistan.

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