Battle between Afghan forces and Taliban intensifies in Herat, as former mujahideen take up arms

There was a reassuringly familiar feeling for Haji Sher Ahmed Ahmadi as he aimed the RPG launcher at the Taliban position behind a derelict building. He had fired an older version of the same weapon three decades ago, as a young man fighting the Russians.

He would much rather have been at his farm tending to the crops, which needed attention, he says, but felt he could not ignore the call of duty with the insurgents at the gates of Herat and threatening to storm the city.

Pointing out that he was an experienced mujahideen, Haji Sher Ahmed had requested to be on the front line and, according to his comrades, acquitted himself so well that Talib snipers started seeking him out. After a dozen attempts, they eventually managed to hit him in the head.