Thousands flee from homes amid Taliban attacks

Afghan officials say Taliban militants are destroying bridges and planting mines in several villages they control outside southern Afghanistan’s largest city.

Police officer Sardah Mohammad says more than 700 families – meaning perhaps 4,000 people or more – have fled the Arghandab district, 10 miles north-west of Kandahar city.

Police were this morning stopping and searching every person travelling on the east side of the Arghandab River.

Officials say that hundreds of Taliban have taken over several villages on the west side of the river.

Mr Mohammad says the militants are preparing for battle by destroying bridges and planting mines.

Afghan army officials said they were flying reinforcements to Kandahar from the capital, Kabul.