The United States, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have given the green light for Afghan rebels to launch a major military offensive against the forces of President Najibullah, sources say.
According to the diplomats and rebel sources, the resistance's main backers approved the plan last week, believing the Afghan army has been badly demoralized by the failed coup in Moscow and by the threat from Russian republic President Boris N. Yeltsin to end military and humanitarian aid.The United States and others believe renewed military pressure from the Muslim guerrillas could trigger a coup to unseat Najibullah, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The guerrillas would have to begin their attacks before November, when snow starts to block the mountain passes and cut off vital supply routes.
The sources said Wednesday that the guerrillas have been moving huge loads of weapons and ammunition into northern Afghanistan, where they have made some military gains in recent months, and around the southwestern city of Kandahar and the eastern city of Gardez, Najibullah's home.
Unlike in previous years, the guerrillas have been trying to capture the provincial capitals and smaller cities rather than trying to overrun Kabul, which is heavily fortified and defended by the Afghan air force.
The American, Pakistani and Saudi governments believe that with the increasing scarcity of fuel it will be difficult for the government to re-supply its garrisons, the sources said.
The fall of key cities could bring added pressure on the government, which already faces acute food shortages, the sources said.