An APTV camera crew has been caught in the crossfire of fighting between Taliban forces and ousted A

Описание: (7 Oct 1996) STORY
An APTV camera crew has been caught in the crossfire of fighting between Taliban forces and ousted Afghan government troops.

Pashtu / Nat-sound

The APTV team escaped unhurt on Sunday as it captured dramatic footage of the clashes in the strategic Panjshir Valley, north of Kabul.

The Taliban launched a new offensive against the remnants of the government forces after seizing the capital.

The Islamic fighters are using heavy artillery to pound the entrance to the Panjshir and surrounding mountain positions.

Taliban forces and journalists - including an APTV camera crew - were caught in an ambush by ousted government troops deep in the Panjshir valley of northern Afghanistan Sunday.

The Taliban returned fire, while making a tactical retreat down the river valley.

The ousted government troops who fled the capital last week have dug themselves into the Panjshir Valley and the surrounding mountains.

They now appear to be fighting back. Sporadic fighting continued in the region Monday.

It is from these mountains that former Defence Minister Ahmed Shah Massoud wreaked havoc with the Soviet forces during their ill-fated occupation.

But now Massoud, the so-called "Lion of Panjshir", faces an army of god.

Over the past two days Taliban fighters have been moving into the mountains equipped with just light arms.

Now the Taliban and Massoud's forces are face-to-face in terrain that's tough even by Afghan standards.

Kabul's new masters have called on Massoud's forces to lay down their arms and return all government property.

But, the Taliban remain determined to route Massoud and his men.

They strongly believe they're assured places in Allah's eternal paradise should they die; should they live the Taliban hope to see the rest of Afghanistan fall under their fiery brand of Islam.

SOUNDBITE: (Pashtu)
"With the help of God we shall capture Massoud himself, and our High Council will judge him according to our laws. He shall be punished."
SUPER CAPTION: Taliban fighter

Despite claims by the Taliban high command that they don't wish further war on the country, captured Russian multiple rocket launchers and tanks continue to pound Massoud's trapped troops.

By Sunday evening the Taliban were moving reinforcements up to the front and although they face an uphill battle their offensive is clearly far from over.

The Taliban now control roughly two-thirds of the country. The only other major fighting force left in the country belongs to Uzbek warlord Rashid Dostum, who rules seven provinces in northern Afghanistan.

They have moved quickly to impose their version of strict Islamic rule.

They have forced women inside, closed girls' schools, and forced men to grow beards.

The Taliban have banned music cassettes, television and most games as being against Islam.

And anyone who stands in their way risks quick and harsh punishment.

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