Taliban, Northern Alliance Supporters Clash In Afghanistan

On Friday near Dar-e-Foladi in the Afghan province of Bamiyan, fierce clashes broke out between the Taliban and attacking groups of Northern Alliance supporters from the Shiite party Hezb-e-Wahdad. Reports arriving from Afghanistan have it that the sides are using missiles and artillery. Human losses are reported. Earlier this year, Khazar Shiites seized the city of Bamiyan for a short time and then abandoned it. At the same time, they continue keeping a town of Yakavalang in the northern part of the province. By now the warring sides have regrouped their troops and a new stage of a full-scale military campaign in Afghanistan may begin at any moment. Local observers note that the Northern Alliance has considerably strengthened its military muscle by drafting new fighters for the army and has attracted to its side a number of prominent politicians and field commanders. In the opinion of observers, by summer the alliance and its supporters will be able to open several new fronts against the Taliban in the west, north and east of Afghanistan.

Visit www.rian.ru for RIA 'Novosti' news.