Taliban repels ground attack on Kandahar

The Taliban has repulsed the latest attack on its spiritual home of Kandahar, expelling forces loyal to a local warlord from the airport in the city shortly after they had seized it.

Fighters allied to former Kandahar Governor Gul Agha battled their way as far as the airport from the south yesterday, but were later routed by the Taliban.

Other fighters loyal to former Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid Karzai are currently advancing on Kandahar from the north.

They said they have met no Taliban resistance.

Refugee fleeing intense US attacks on the city have reported fighting in several areas near Kandahar.