Afghan rebels reported stepping up use of gas

Rebels fighting the Soviet presence in Afghanistan have apparently stepped up use of poison gas and other toxins and these are harming the local population, according to Afghan government and Soviet reports. Kabul Radio, monitored by the BBC, said 488 schoolchildren were taken to hospitals yesterday after schools were polluted with "toxic substances." In Moscow, the English-language service of Soviet Radio said 150 people in Kabul had been hospitalized after attacks by rebels using what it termed "war gas."