KABUL. Dec 31: Planes belonging to forces opposed to the Taliban Islamic militia bombed the Afghan capital Kabul early this morning but there were no reports of casualties. says Reuter.

Bombs were dropped in the vicinity of Kabul s airport, which Is used for military and civilian traffic, at 3 am (2230 GMT) on Tuesday morning. Kabul's hospitals reported no casualties.

On Saturday opposition forces launched four air raids on the citv. which was taken by the Taliban in late September, hitting the airport In the northeast and the Presidential Palace in the centre of the citv.

Hospitals reported six civilian casualties from those raids and one woman was Injured by falling anti-aircraft fire.

Local residents said today's bombs landed on open ground close to a housing complex, breaking windows and causing other minor damage.

The attack failed to close the airport, and later this morning the United Nations used it to ferry in personnel and supplies.

Afghan watchers say the air raids are m retaliation for recent Taliban successes on the battle field north of Kabul.

On Friday and Saturday, the Taliban pushed opposition forces back 10 km (six miles) inflicting heavy casualties and. according to the Taliban, capturing more than 200 prisoners.

It was the heaviest defeat in fileted on the opposition forces for more than two months

Despite the recent attacks on the airport, the national air line Ariana International Air lines, intends to continue using the airport for International flights

Misbullah Noon director of

the airport, said Ariana intended Io expand its International schedule and inaugural, new flights to the Pakistan cities of Islamabad. Karachi and Peshawar.

The airport has been a frequent target in fighting between guerilla factions that defeated a Communist government in 1992.