11.   Opposition troops led by ousted president Burhanuddin Rabbani said they had recaptured the town from the ruling Taliban militia.

12.   Pakistan, a key U.S. ally, has pressed for the U.S.-led air campaign not to directly help opposition troops.

13.   Pakistan, which has agreed to lend logistical support for the campaign, has pressed for the U.S. and British offensive to avoid directly helping opposition troops.

14.   Opposition troops captured a key city in central Afghanistan, cutting the only road that links the capital of Kabul to northern areas of the country.

15.   Opposition troops made some initial gains, according to the Taliban Islamic militia, but were later driven back into the surrounding mountains.

16.   Pakistan, which has agreed to lend logistical support to the campaign, has pressed for the U.S.-led air offensive not to directly help opposition troops.

17.   A large quantity of weapons also were seized from the opposition troops, he said.

18.   AFGHANISTAN-FIGHTING, opposition troops make gains.

19.   Agaallah said he tried to communicate with opposition troops using a two-way radio.

20.   Aided by U.S. bombing, opposition troops said they were pursuing Taliban fighters as they retreated.