Afghan troops battle Taliban
Afghan soldiers were waging a fierce ground battle against entrenched Taliban fighters in the south of the country after a night of heavy US bombing, a local intelligence chief said today.
American war planes pounded two suspected Taliban positions in the Chinaran and Larzab mountains in Zabul province, Khalil Hotak said.
The bombing runs ended at about 4am, and about 500 Afghan soldiers moved in on the Taliban fighters – who had taken up fortified positions in a deep mountain gorge and along a stream that runs through the area.
Hotak said the number of Taliban fighters killed could be as high as 35. The US military could not immediately be reached for comment.
As he spoke, Hotak received calls from commanders at the scene, barking back orders for the ongoing fighting. He said his forces believe hundreds of Taliban have taken up positions in the area.
