Opposition forces to join attacks

Afghanistan's opposition forces are preparing to launch attacks against the ruling Taliban militia but say they will not "battle…

Afghanistan's opposition forces are preparing to launch attacks against the ruling Taliban militia but say they will not "battle for the United States", Iran's state IRNA news agency said yesterday.

The opposition forces, known as the Northern Alliance or the United Front, "have become ready to launch their own attacks against the ruling Taliban as the sun comes up", said opposition member Touriali Qiassi cited by IRNA.

"Although the US attacks against the Taliban have made it easier for the United Front forces to carry out their (attacks), the front will not battle for the US and will pursue its own goals," he said.

Earlier, Afghan opposition forces told AFP they were waiting for orders to launch a massive infantry offensive against Taliban forces around the country following US-led strikes.

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An opposition spokesman said anti-Taliban Northern Alliance commander General Abdul Qassim Fahim had told his forces to stand by for orders to attack Taliban-held cities.