NA claims capture 4 provinces

JABAL-US-SARAJ, AFGHANISTAN, Nov 10 (REUTERS): Afghanistans opposition Northern Alliance said they had swept into four more provinces in the north today and Taliban fighters put up a fierce resistance in some places.

"Today we have captured Samangan, Sara-i-Pol, Faryab and Jowzjan", ethnic Uzbek General Abdul Rashid Dostum told Reuters by satellite telephone, interrupting a strategy meeting with other commanders to take the call.

He said his troops were now advancing on western Badghis in a move that would allow him to join his troops with those of mujahideen General Ismail Khan near the strategic western city of Herat.

"In some areas there was strong resistance, in others they fell without much fighting", Shiite commander Mohakik told Reuters by telephone.