Rocket attacks kill 11 in Kabul

KABUL, Oct 18 (AFP) — A string of rocket attacks on Kabul, the worst in two years, is taking a heavy toll on civilian life and has left at least 11 dead and cutting the last direct access routes to the outside world.

People are frightened and official sources say the civilian death toll from the missile strikes since the Taliban launched its autumn offensive a week ago could be higher.

At least another 10 were wounded, some critically, and several children who were playing in the areas near the strike zones are missing, residents said.

The Taliban have blamed opposition commander Ahmad Shah Masood for the attacks, which saw eight rockets fired over the past five days landing in or near Kabul airport and forcing the cancellation of Red Cross flights.

Three rockets were fired today. The first two landed inside the airport perimeter, the third in the late afternoon hit the outskirts of the town, killing three persons.

Masood's spokesman Mohammad Aref told AFP that he could confirm at least one of the attacks was staged by forces loyal to the ethnic Tajik commander.

However, he said the broad situation remained confused and officially he could not account for all the missiles directed at the airport.