ISLAMABAD, April 10: Afghan interim administration forces are preparing for battle with two local warlords who have taken control of a key trade route to Iran, a report said on Wednesday.

The Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) said rebel commanders Abdul Rahman and Abdul Jalil launched an attack in southwestern Nimroz province on Monday and seized a place known as Guldana, near the Iranian border.

Four militiamen loyal to Nimroz Governor Abdul Karim Barohi, a supporter of the UN-backed interim cabinet, were injured in the fighting, AIP said.

It said Barohi had sent some 200 reinforcements to back up the 300 men he already had in the area in preparation for more clashes.—AFP/dpa