The World : Soviet Afghan Drive Told

A large Soviet task force backed by tanks and helicopter gunships has launched a new offensive against guerrillas in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistani border, guerrilla leaders said in Pakistan. They said their forces are trying to fend off attacks by 5,000 Soviet troops in central Logar province, 50 miles south of Kabul. Radio Kabul said 24 guerrillas were killed in one clash in the province. The reports could not be independently confirmed. The Soviets appeared to be trying to cut guerrilla supply routes from Pakistan.