U.S. Willing to Help Stop Violence In Western Afghanistan

16 August 2004 -- The U.S. military today said that it is ready to help Afghan authorities to stop factional violence in western Afghanistan, where fighting killed at least 20 people on 14-15 August.
U.S. Major Scott Nelson said that coalition forces would take "appropriate action" if diplomacy fails in the region.

Rival forces of two influential Afghan commanders in western Afghanistan are reportedly quiet today.

Forces loyal to Herat Governor Mohammad Ismail Khan and his rival Amanullah Khan had been fighting in the Herat and Badghis provinces over the past several days.

The Afghan government has sent more than 400 soldiers into the region to stop the unrest.

(AFP/AP/dpa/Reuters)