Afghan Troops Sent To Stop Violence In Western Afghanistan

Hamid Karzai has sent troops to quell fighting in west (file photo) 15 August 2004 -- The Afghan government is sending 1,500 U.S.-trained troops to the western province of Herat to calm a recent outbreak of factional violence.
Defense Ministry spokesman Zahir Azimy said 500 troops are being sent into the region today, with 1,000 more following tomorrow.

The troops are being sent to an area in Herat where fighting between forces loyal to Herat Governor Mohammad Ismail Khan and rival local commanders has killed 22 people since 13 August.

Afghan Transitional Administration Chairman Hamid Karzai has sent government troops to several different areas of northern and western Afghanistan this year in order to quell factional unrest.

(AP/dpa)