WORLD : Afghan Rebels Attack Capital

KABUL, Afghanistan — Rebels have launched a two-pronged attack on Kabul, and Afghan government troops are fighting back with air and artillery strikes, officials and diplomats said today.

Guerrillas belonging to the Hezb-i-Islami party of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar were spearheading the assault on the capital from two directions, a government statement said, adding that so far 70 rebels have been killed.

Aircraft were streaking across the Kabul skies and loud explosions shook buildings, witnesses said.

Moujahedeen sources in Pakistan said the Kabul fighting began Thursday morning and was concentrated 10 to 13 miles southeast of the city between Chahar Wazgai and Sarighar.