Daily Times

KANDAHAR: Afghanistan rushed military reinforcements to Helmand as Taliban closed in on the besieged capital of the southern province, with fighting intensifying in outlying districts, officials said Wednesday. Pitched battles were reported late Wednesday in Nawa district, just a few kilometres south of Lashkar Gah city, compounding fears that the provincial capital could fall despite stepped up US air strikes to beat back the insurgents. Fierce fighting in recent days across Helmand has sent thousands of people fleeing to Lashkar Gah, sparking a humanitarian crisis as officials report crippling food and water shortages. “We have sent reinforcements to Helmand. Intense fighting is going on in Helmand but our troops are trying to repel the Taliban offensive,” defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said.