Taleban slice opposition lifeline

Afghanistan's ruling Taleban are reported to have struck a major blow against opposition forces, by cutting off a vital international supply route.

An opposition spokesman said that Taleban forces had captured the town of Nahrin early on Saturday.

The town has been a crucial link for opposition leader Ahmad Shad Masood, providing a supply route for food and military supplies from the border with Tajikistan.

Nahrin's loss can be seen as a big victory for the Taleban, but it could also be the start of serious problems for the Taleban

Opposition spokesman

The news of its capture comes only two days after the United Nations said it wanted to boost peacemaking efforts to try to end the 20-year-old war.

The Taleban advance is expected to hit residents as well as military forces in opposition-controlled territory as food and fuel have, until now, been transported via Nahrin.

The only other possible supply route involves a long journey through the mountains of northern Afghanistan.

But opposition forces say they will fight to win the town back.

Fighter planes

"Its loss can be seen as a big victory for the Taleban, but it could also be the start of serious problems for the Taleban as the people will not sit quietly," said an opposition spokesman.

He said at least 50 civilians had died in the battle for the town, which is reported to have involved Taleban fighter planes and heavy artillery as well as ground forces.

Fighting in the area around Nahrin was said to be continuing on Saturday morning.

The Taleban have not confirmed the town's capture. A spokesman said only that a change in the front-line had occurred and the situation was still vague.

Secret

BBC Kabul correspondent Kate Clark says the Taleban have, for the first time, become cautious of speaking about the war, since the UN said that any fresh offensive could spark new sanctions.

The Secretary General's representative to Afghanistan is currently visiting all sides with what he has called a new and secret idea for a peace settlement.

The Taleban, who have imposed strict Islamic law across 90% of Afghanistan, has been unable to quash the opposition in the remaining 10% of the country.