Taliban fighters move in the vicinity of Kandahar, clashes mount

For the first time since 2001, several hundred Taliban fighters have moved in the strategic district of Arghandab, and have reached very close to Kandahar.

New York, Oct 31 : For the first time since 2001, several hundred Taliban fighters have moved in the strategic district of Arghandab, and have reached very close to Kandahar.

The Afghan and NATO forces are involved in clashes with the Taliban fighters in the region, as the latter threaten to control the city.

Whether the Taliban were looking to establish permanent control over the area or were simply carrying out raids was unclear on Tuesday night, the New York Times reported, adding that Afghan and NATO forces have begun a "large operation" to drive out the Taliban.

"We're conducting operations in and around Arghandab in response to increased Taliban fighter numbers," said Lt. Commander Pierre Babinsky, adding. "We dedicated a lot of resources to this."

He rejected the claims made by Taliban that two foreign and three Afghan soldiers were killed in the clashes.

However, the provincial police chief said 20 Taliban had been killed in the operation so far.

Fears of major battles have led to hundreds of people fleeing from the district. Cars and trucks loaded with families from the area have streamed into Kandahar over the last two days, sparking fear among city residents.

ANI