20,000 more Soviet troops reported in Afghanistan

An estimated 20,000 more Soviet troops have arrived in Afghanistan, and there has been heavy traffic of Soviet transport planes at Kabul airport this past week, diplomatic sources said. The troops are joining the estimated 85,000 already there.

Although rebels have claimed victories in widespread fighting which some Muslim insurgents called a major spring offensive, the fresh troops have not moved into the countryside.

Four divisions of Afghan troops moved out of the Kabul region late in March, apparently to deal with new fight ing in 20 of the nation's 29 provinces, sources said.