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Warlord Behind Afghan Rocket Attacks
Monday, April 29, 2002
(10:31 GMT)
From Producer Lonzo Cook
The Cable News Network

"I will capture Paktia province," Bacha Khan said in February. "I am the legal representative of the people, appointed by the interim administration, and I have 100 percent support of the people."

GARDEZ, Afghanistan -- CNN
Forces loyal to a former governor in eastern Afghanistan have been blamed for series of rocket attacks that left 50 people dead and destroyed hundreds of houses and shops over the weekend.

The Afghan Defense Ministry told CNN that troops of former governor Bacha Khan fired over 200 rockets into the center of the provincial capital Gardez between Saturday night and Monday.

All of the casualties were said to be noncombatants.

The interim government has asked Bacha Khan to come to Kabul, where they intend to investigate the attacks.

Bacha Khan had been appointed governor of the restive Paktia province several months ago, but he was ousted by local forces, who refused to let him maintain power.
(More: CNN Online News Source)
2002 © Cable News Network LP, LLLP.

Dan