From our correspondent
Enrico Piovesana

The situation in Helmand province is rapidly degenerating. In the past hours, the taleban have taken control almost of the whole southern afghan province, advancing towards the capital Lashkar-Gah, where the hospital of the italian Ngo 'Emergency' is located. Fightings are going on in Babaji, Luimanda, Grishk, Yakh Chal and Upasciak. The war has arrived 8 chilometres away from the provincial capital.

 

Violent clashes in Grishk. "Our local sources in the region - says Luca, 'Emergency' logistician in Lashkar-gah - have dramatic news. In the last hours the Taleban have taken hold of the whole province. Only Lashkar-Gah and Grishk are still in the hands of afghan forces. For the moment. The staff of our first aid post in Grishk says extremely heavy clashes between Taleban and british and afghan forces are taking places only 3 chilometres north of the town. Moreover, from what we know, it also seems that afghan soldiers have opened fire against civilians in the Taleban-controlled villages".

 

Fightings around Lashkar-Gah. "We have already received several people injured in the clashes. Yesterday evening, three children arrived to the hospital, victims of the Nato air bombing north of Grish and on Musa Qala: one of them faces a serious risk of death. Heavy shellings were carried out during the night also in the South, in the Sangin district", says Luca. "This morning, a one-and-a-half year old child came in from Grishk with his mother. He was already dead, she had her jaw injured while at home. Three afghan soldiers also arrived, badly injured in the Babaji clash, 8 chilometres north of Lashkar-Gah: one died on his arrival. Two people arrived dead to the first aid post of Grishk, while we know that two patients, injured by a Nato shelling, are trying to reach our hospital with private means and great difficulties because the police doesn't permit movements. We also know that two more people are injured in their homes in Grishk, but currently we can't reach them. We are preparing to receive a huge number of casualties".