Push by Afghan Rebels Repulsed
The Afghan government said Thursday that its forces repelled a big overnight offensive on Kabul by the Islamic Taliban movement, which seeks to topple President Burhanuddin Rabbani.
Taliban suffered heavy casualties, with 90 killed in the main battle at strategic Sangi Nawishta ridge, the official Kabul Radio said. Some bodies were left lying on the battlefield.
No immediate comment was available from Taliban.
Defense Ministry officials said the Taliban rebels launched a full-scale attack from the south and west of the capital as dusk fell on Wednesday, setting off a fierce battle that lasted until dawn.
“They threw everything at us, including tanks, artillery and missiles,” a spokesman said. “But we managed to repulse their attacks from both directions.”
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