Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: greenspirit who wrote (202062)	11/12/2001 5:08:34 PM
From: greenspirit	Respond to of 769670

Afghan opposition stop outside Kabul abc.net.au Afghan opposition infantry reached the outskirts of Kabul after a major advance, but stayed out of the city in accordance with United States wishes amid reports the Taliban were evacuating. The Northern Alliance launched their long-awaited offensive around midday local time and made quick ground across the Shomali plain north of the city, with tanks and troops probing behind a heavy artillery barrage. Commanders reported scattered resistance, but the ease and pace of the opposition's advance, covering some 40 kilometres in around eight hours, indicated the extent of the United States bombing in recent weeks. Tanks were heard moving on the streets of the city around 9.00pm local time, but residents could not say whose they were or confirm reports that the Taliban were pulling out. "We will continue our victorious advance to the gates of Kabul, but for the time being we do not intend to enter the city," said opposition spokesman Waisudin Salik. "The Taliban are evacuating their positions, we are almost completely in control of the Shomali plain. There are no major obstacles remaining in front of us. Tonight we will get to the Kabul gate." Residents of the capital said there were no Taliban soldiers on the streets, which were deserted except for a few families who were leaving on foot. "There are reports that the Taliban are fleeing Kabul. Some have said that Kabul might be evacuated already but it will be evacuated by tomorrow morning," said Salik, a spokesman for local opposition commander Besmillah. "We will wait and see if there is a need to send in police forces but the military will not enter." Salik earlier said the anti-Taliban forces had halted 10 to 15 kilometres outside Kabul to await orders from senior commanders. The Taliban denied they were fleeing Kabul. Ambassador to Pakistan Abdul Salam Zaeef said such reports were "baseless". "It is true that the opposition have broken through our front lines," he was quoted as saying by the Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press. "But the Taliban have set up another front line which is being reinforced and the opposition advance has been halted. "Just a while ago we established contact with Kabul. The city is silent and the Taliban are in full control." The opposition Northern Alliance is under pressure from Washington to stay outside the city until a new representative government can be formed to take over from the Taliban. US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has said the opposition should isolate the capital and make way for a representative government. US air raids over the Taliban's front lines 50 kilometres north of Kabul stopped shortly before the opposition's offensive but resumed against targets in Kabul itself in the late afternoon. Residents said at least three bombs struck the city, damaging the house of the Taliban's governor for Kabul, Mullah Abdul Manan Niazi.