Clashes Between Afghan Forces, Taliban Enter Second Day

Fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban in the southern city of Kandahar has entered its second day, following coordinated attacks by militants using rocket-propelled grenades and suicide blasts on May 7.

Interior Ministry spokesman Zemeri Bashary said gunfire was being exchanged between Afghan forces supported by NATO and insurgents holed up in various buildings.

Reports differ on the number of fatalities, but a report from the Defense Ministry on May 8 lists 12 militants as killed so far.

At least two officers and one civilian have also been reported killed, with some 40 people wounded.

International coalition spokesman U.S. Marine Major-General James Laster described the "spectacular attack" in Kandahar as "clearly" a kick-off to the spring offensive earlier announced by the Taliban.

compiled from agency reports