Afghan troops launch assault

Kabul (AFP, Reuter) - Afghan government troops and the renegade mujahedin movement which has been bombarding Kabul for nearly two weeks both claimed yesterday to have launched ground offensives. Heavy fighting was reported in and near the capital between Hizbe Islami, led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, and mujahedin and militia forces loyal to President Burhanuddin Rabbani.

Government sources said troops, supported by tanks, artillery and aircraft, made attacks in three directions against Hizbe Islami positions, apparently aiming to eject the movement from vantage points near Kabul.