14 civilians, ICRC worker dead in Taliban bombing

AFP, 27th April, 1999

KABUL, April 27 (AFP) - Afghanistan's Taliban Islamic militia bombed positions held by the opposition Northern Alliance late Monday and early Tuesday, killing 13 civilians, the opposition said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) added that one of its local staff, Abdul Rahim, was killed along with a civilian during a bombing raid on Jabul Saraj, 60 kilometres (36 miles) north of Kabul.

The area is controlled by the opposition alliance. Alliance spokesman Abdullah (eds: one name) said 13 civilians were killed and a further 17 wounded during an aerial bombardment of the town of Taloqan in northwest Afghanistan. He said the bombs struck a local bazaar.

"Four houses were also flattened in Taloqan. They also bombarded the Panjsher Valley this morning where material damage was caused," Abdullah said.

The ICRC said one civilian was killed and another two injured in the bombing raid which killed Rahim.

"He was killed on the spot together with another civilian, two more persons were injured in this raid," it said in a statement.

"Mr. Rahim was working for the ICRC as a security guard. He was 56 years old and leaves behind his wife and eight children."

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