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Taliban Reported Fleeing Last Bastion
Saturday, November 17, 2001
(1:30 AM GMT)
Islam Online

The withdrawal, if confirmed, would mark the final collapse of the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON -- News Agencies
Taliban forces were reportedly fleeing their home base city of Kandahar Friday, signaling the collapse of the militia's hardline rule, as U.S. officials said its forces had killed Osama bin Laden's senior lieutenant.

U.S. intelligence intercepts indicated that bin Laden's deputy and top military commander, Mohammad Atef, was killed in an airstrike near Kabul.

A Pakistani source close to bin Laden said Atef was a key player in al-Qaeda's military and financial structure.

"It will be a huge blow not only to Osama but to his network," said the source, who requested anonymity.
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Dan