BUSH'S OTHER ACCOMPLISHED MISSION

Kabul — A powerful Afghan warlord launched a broad assault against two rivals in northern Afghanistan, the Defence Ministry said Wednesday, as the fighting threatened to further destabilize the fragile country.

Forces loyal to Abdul Rashid Dostum moved into Faryab province late Tuesday and were advancing toward the provincial capital along three fronts, Deputy Defence Minister Rahim Wardak told The Associated Press.

Details were sketchy from the remote province, about 400 kilometres northwest of Kabul, but Mr. Wardak said: "For sure, there are casualties, but I can't confirm how many." ...

In Kabul, the capital, a defence ministry spokesman said 750 troops from the new U.S.-trained national army were being rushed to Faryab to calm the situation. But it was not clear if the troops would arrive in time to stop Mr. Dostum's forces from taking Faryab's capital, Maymana....

--Toronto Globe and Mail/AP