Afghan interim administration forces are preparing for battle with two local warlords who have taken control of a key trade route to Iran, a report said on Wednesday. The Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) said rebel commanders Abdul Rahman and Abdul Jalil launched an attack in southwestern Nimroz province on Monday and seized Guldana, near the Iranian border. Four militiamen loyal to Nimroz Governor Abdul Karim Barohi, a supporter of the UN-backed interim cabinet, were injured in the fighting. It said Barohi had sent some 200 reinforcements to back up the 300 men he already had in the area in preparation for more clashes.
This represents a bit of a turnaround for the interim administration. So far there hasn't been enough strength available to bring the gunnies to heel without using B52s. Presumably they're starting small in what they hope will be a larger cleanup. |