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Factional fighting leaves nearly 80 dead in Afghanistan
Mazar-i-Sharif, Oct 09: Fighting between Afghanistan`s northern warlords has left nearly 80 militiamen dead and wounded, the warring camps said today, as fighting entered its second day just weeks ahead of an ambitious drive to disarm private militias.
Mazar-i-Sharif, Oct 09: Fighting between Afghanistan's northern warlords has left nearly 80 militiamen dead and wounded, the warring camps said today, as fighting entered its second day just weeks ahead of an ambitious drive to disarm private militias.
Clashes between militias loyal to Tajik General Atta Mohammad and his rival Uzbek General Abdul Rashid Dostam broke out yesterday 60 kilometres west of the main northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif.
As fighting moved east and threatened to enter the city, both sides moved tanks to their frontlines.
"From last (yesterday) night up to now we have more than 70 soldiers killed and injured," Mohammad's deputy General Abdul Sabor said. Dostam's deputy Sayed Nurullah said three of his fighters had been killed and six wounded.
The fighters were using light and heavy weapons, Nurullah said. Fighting today was on the outskirts of Balkh, 20 kilometres west of Mazar-i-Sharif, the deputies said.
"Fighting is still continuing in Balkh district," Sabor said. Bureau Report
As fighting moved east and threatened to enter the city, both sides moved tanks to their frontlines.
"From last (yesterday) night up to now we have more than 70 soldiers killed and injured," Mohammad's deputy General Abdul Sabor said. Dostam's deputy Sayed Nurullah said three of his fighters had been killed and six wounded.
The fighters were using light and heavy weapons, Nurullah said. Fighting today was on the outskirts of Balkh, 20 kilometres west of Mazar-i-Sharif, the deputies said.
"Fighting is still continuing in Balkh district," Sabor said. Bureau Report