AFGHANISTAN: TALIBAN REBELS CLOSE IN ON KABUL

(21 Oct 1995) Farsi/Nat In Afghanistan Taliban fighters - opposed to the government of President Burhanuddin Rabbani - are closing in on the capital city Kabul. Recent reports suggest that they've captured a number of government strongholds, and taken control of strategic areas to the West of the Afghan capital. Sources in Kabul claim that President Rabbani is looking to hold talks with opposition groups to end the crisis. Government troops fight a desperate battle against Taliban rebels, from the balconies of the Darulaman Palace. A stream of gunfire punctuates the air and smoke trails billow from the surrounding Rishkor Hills. The stakes are high in this ongoing battle. Kabul - the Afghan capital and the seat of government - is the crucial prize. But its pursuit has displaced thousands of civilians and is dragging Afghanistan to its knees. The Islamic Taliban fighters have already delivered a series of crushing blows against the Afghan President Burhannudin Rabbani. Two weeks ago they unleashed a major assault on Kabul from the Southern and Western suburbs, inflicting heavy damage on government military facilities. Recent reports suggest that a detachment of six thousand heavily armed Talibs have arrived from the East of the country to assist the final push into Kabul. Nevertheless government supporters are confident they can win this war - but they're acutely aware of the strengths of their opponents. SOUNDBITE: (Farsi) Q: (English) "Where is the fighting?" A: "Only at the back of this hill and behind the other hills. Fighting is still going on and they are moving from the area and our troops follow them. Now the fighting is quieting down slowly. That was my opinion." Q: (English) "What is the government doing today?" A: "Today the government started an offensive and they advanced. But the Taliban are still moving from the area. After those four hills we will capture Charasyab but now the fighting is dying down. A few minutes ago it was a very exciting situation." SUPER CAPTION: Government Fighter But while President Rabbani sends more troops to the frontline, the international community keeps a watchful distance. Some analysts believe that the West's non intervention is a tacit sign of support for Pakistan's involvement in the crisis. The conflict has increased regional tensions, involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, India and Pakistan. The Taliban claims Iran is supporting government forces, while Saudi Arabia is reported to be financing the Taliban. In return the Afghan government accuses Pakistan of supporting the Taliban attacks. Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto has also accused Pakistan's bitter rival India of lending support to the authorities in Kabul. Regardless of the interpretations, it's the civilian population which is the ultimate loser. Aid agencies claim that hundreds of people have been injured throughout the fighting. They can only hope that President Rabbani's wish to talk and make peace with his political opponents, is sincere. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...