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CNN Live Saturday

Northern Alliance Claims Significant Gains Near Mazar-e Sharif

Aired November 03, 2001 - 15:06   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: As U.S. warplanes carry out another round of strikes on Northern Afghanistan, that countries opposition militia, the Northern Alliance, is claiming significant gains near the Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif, but that cannot be confirmed. However, what is certain is that the Northern Alliance aims to make the most of its newfound air support.

Here's CNN's Matthew Chance with more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There's been no easing of strikes from the skies over Afghanistan. These shattering blows to a Taliban held village north of the Afghan capitol. Warplanes of the U.S.-led coalition repeatedly struck these unseen frontline targets. Locals say as many as 300 Taliban have been moving into the mud-brick houses the night before. No sign of the villagers themselves.

From opposition commanders, though, watching from across the frontlines, satisfaction.

He told me his 500 men were ready to fight and just waiting for the order to move, especially now the air-strikes were finally hitting hard.

ZEARAT SHAH, FRONTLINE COMMANDER (via interpreter): We've been fighting terrorism in our country for years, but until now nobody has listened. Now, the United States wants to take its revenge, they are helping us. But even if they didn't, we would continue to fight.

CHANCE: Back from the frontlines, Northern Alliance fighters watch the black smoke billowing over the Shomali Plains. Air-strikes could open the way for this opposition army to advance on Kabul. They've been issued new uniforms and are preparing for a fight. The Taliban forces they'll face, still a better armed and highly motivated force. Victory may be far from guaranteed.

(on camera): As U.S. coalition bombers continue their pounding of the Taliban frontlines, there is a growing sense of impatience among these Northern Alliance forces to strike. The question of when to advance on the Afghan capital is one their political leadership has yet to answer.

Matthew Chance, CNN, Northern Afghanistan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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