Afghan rebels claim big spring victories

Afghan insurgents claimed victories over Soviet-commanded Afghan Army troops in major spring offensive raging throughout the country. Rival tribal factions united to defeat detachments of the 4th Armored Division of the Afghan Army in a show of solidarity that surprised even their leaders, an informant from Kabul said.

Four divisions moved into the countryside to put down renewed fighting in 20 of Afghanistan's 29 provinces, diplomats said. The informant said the fighting was part of a major spring offensive that had already clo sed three of the four main roads leading to and from Kabul.