here video filmed by the fighters appears to show them releasing inmates from the local prison. the afghan authorities admit some parts of the city have been taken. in response, the afghan defence ministry says it has called in american b52 long—range bombers to try to halt the taliban offensive in sheberghan. airstrikes, it claims, have already hit the insurgents, killing many of them. there is a risk, though, of civilian casualties. already many civilians have been killed or injured, including children. the hospitals filling up. the taliban have been specifically targeting government officials such as the head of the government's information centre. he was shot dead on friday. his funeral has now taken place in the capital, kabul.