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| Afghanistan |
| Talibs plan stubborn resistance at Mazar-e-Sharif |
| 2001-10-30 |
Clandestine telephone calls from civilians trapped in Mazar-e Sharif to Uzbekistan are painting a bleak picture of the war in northern Afghanistan, with callers saying the Taliban not only beat back recent rebel offensives, but are launching brutal reprisals against people accused of sympathizing with the opposition. Afghans have told relatives that five prominent businessmen were hanged on treason charges. Hundreds more have been arrested in surrounding villages. The callers also report that the Taliban regime is beefing up its forces in the region after thwarting attacks by alliance troops two weeks ago. Many of the reinforcements are Arab and Pakistani volunteers. Taliban soldiers have sent their families to safety, apparently girding themselves to defend the city to the bitter end. They suggest that the battle for Mazar-e Sharif may be long and bloody. U.S. officials have made plain their desire to see the city fall swiftly and have stepped up air strikes to support the ill-equipped Northern Alliance troops. Taking Mazar will open up the supply lines to Russia and the Central Asian republics. One step at a time. It'll make what follows a lot easier. |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |