B-52 Drops Bombs as Factions Clash

A U.S. B-52 dropped seven 2,000-pound bombs close to the scene of fighting between rival Afghan factions, the first time the giant warplanes have been used in Afghanistan for months.

Col. Roger King said the B-52 was called in to protect U.S. Special Forces who clashed with armed Afghans outside a U.S. base in western Afghanistan.

Afghan commanders, however, said the bombs fell near the scene of fierce fighting between Afghan troops from two rival factions near the Shindand air base. At least 11 Afghans were killed in factional fighting, U.S. and local officials said.