Thousands flee Taliban onslaught in southern Afghanistan

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan: Tens of thousands of people in southern Afghanistan have fled their homes following days of heavy fighting between the and security forces, officials said Wednesday, as violence continues to soar despite ongoing peace talks. Taliban militants launched a series of attacks on the city of in restive on Sunday night, prompting the US to call in air strikes to defend Afghan forces. The fighting triggered an exodus by local...