Taliban destroy bridges, plant mines
Pastor Dale Morgan
Taliban destroy bridges, plant mines*
AP
ARGHANDAB, Afghanistan - 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
northwest of Kandahar city.
Police on Tuesday were stopping and searching every person traveling on
the east side of the Arghandab River.
Officials say hundreds of Taliban have taken over several villages on
the west side of the river.
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.