KABUL, Nov 12: Afghan opposition infantry reached the outskirts of Kabul on Monday after a major advance, but stayed out of the city in accordance with US wishes amid reports the Taliban were evacuating.

The Northern Alliance launched their long-awaited offensive around midday and made quick ground across the Shomali plain north of the city, with tanks and troops probing behind a heavy artillery barrage.

The Northern Alliance also chalked up new gains elsewhere, notably taking the western city of Herat, an ancient Silk Road trade stop and Afghanistan’s wealthiest city with thriving links to Iran.

Taliban spokesmen said their militia had abandoned all northern provinces except for Kunduz, where some of their soldiers were making a desperate stand despite opposition claims the province had fallen.

Commanders reported scattered resistance but the ease and pace of the opposition’s advance, covering some 40 kilometres in around eight hours, indicated the extent of the US bombing in recent weeks.

Tanks were heard moving on the streets of the city since early morning, but residents could not say whose they were or confirm reports that the Taliban were pulling out.

“We will continue our victorious advance to the gates of Kabul. But for the time being we do not intend to enter the city,” said opposition spokesman Waisudin Salik.

“The Taliban are evacuating their positions. We are almost completely in control of the Shomali plain. There are no major obstacles remaining in front of us. Tonight we will get to the Kabul gate.”

Residents of the capital said there were no Taliban soldiers on the streets, which were deserted except for a few families who were leaving on foot.

Salik earlier said the anti-Taliban forces had halted 10 to 15 kilometres outside Kabul to await orders from senior commanders.

The Taliban denied they were fleeing Kabul. Ambassador to Islamabad Abdul Salam Zaeef said such reports were “baseless”.

“It is true that the opposition have broken through our front lines,” he was quoted as saying by the Afghan Islamic Press.

“But the Taliban have set up another front line which is being reinforced and the opposition advance has been halted.

“Just a while ago we established contact with Kabul. The city is silent and the Taliban are in full control.”—AFP