Northern Alliance begins Khanabad attack

Northern Alliance forces started an attack today on Khanabad, about 20 kilometres east of the Taliban's northern stronghold of Kunduz.

Several hundred soldiers launched a rocket-attack on Taliban positions in the town, which had earlier been bombed by a US B-52 bomber, as a prelude to an assault on Kunduz.

"We are first attacking Khanabad, then we will march on Kunduz," a Northern Alliance commander said.

Thousands of Taliban fighters have been under siege in Kunduz since they were routed from other areas in the north of Afghanistan - including the key city of Mazar-i-Sharif on November 9th.

AFP