Combined forces enter cave complex

GARDEZ, Afghanistan

Hundreds of Taliban and al-Qaida fighters were killed in fierce fighting yesterday as U.S.-led coalition forces pressed their offensive in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan, the American commander said.

U.S. forces in the region said as many as 800 opposition fighters had been seen moving toward the battle since the American-led operation was launched on Saturday.

"We caught several hundred of them with RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades) and mortars heading toward the fight. We body slammed them today and killed hundreds of those guys," said Maj. Gen. Frank Hagenbeck, the commander of the operation near Gardez, 75 miles south of Kabul, the capital.

U.S.-led forces continued inching up the snow-covered mountains, meanwhile, trying to reach hideouts still believed to contain hundreds more al-Qaida and Taliban fighters. Some forces entered at least one cave complex, uncovering weapons caches.

Allied jets flew high over Paktia province, dropping bombs as well as decoy flares to ward off heat-seeking missiles defensive measures after two U.S. helicopters were hit Monday in incidents that left seven U.S. soldiers dead.

Condit battles for another term in primary

LOS ANGELES

In central California farm country, Rep. Gary Condit, a 13-year House veteran seeking nomination for another term, fought for his political life in a Democratic primary for Congress yesterday.

His main threat was state Assemblyman Dennis Cardoza, 42, a former Condit aide who wrested cash and endorsements from former Condit supporters.

Condit"s bid to keep his Central Valley seat was shadowed by the disappearance of Chandra Levy, the 24-year-old Washington intern last seen April 30.

Condit, 53, admitted he had an affair with Levy, according to Washington police sources. But they have said he is not a suspect in her disappearance.

Condit campaigned like never before in a reconfigured district in which 40 percent of the voters had never seen his name on a ballot. He discussed issues at coffee shops, knocked on doors and shook jusst about any hand that reached out to him.

"I have done my job as a congressman. I have conducted myself as a gentleman and dignified. The only thing different is the intrigue of what"s happened over the last summer and the fact that you"re all here," the congressman told reporters after voting yesterday morning.

U.S., Egypt presidents discuss Middle East

WASHINGTON

President Bush and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak searched yesterday for solutions to the spiraling violence in the Middle East, with Bush emphasizing the need to stop Palestinian attacks on Israelis while Mubarak demanded that Israel ease up on the Palestinians.

Bush said peace in the Middle East is "only possible if there is a maximum effort to end violence throughout the region, starting with Palestinian efforts to stop attacks on Israelis."

Mubarak called for an end to forceful Israeli military tactics such as demolishing Palestinian homes and closing roads.

"Nothing can be achieved through violence or resolved by force," he said.

Bush also spoke favorably of a Saudi Arabian proposal, which would offer Israel peace, trade and security in exchange for the land the Arabs lost in war, and of Mubarak"s offer to be the host for talks between Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Cafeteria fire delays Milosevic"s trial

THE HAGUE, Netherlands

Slobodan Milosevic"s trial was postponed yesterday after a fire in the cafeteria of the U.N. war crimes tribunal filled the corridors with smoke, prompting the evacuation of the building.

Guards and security personnel escorted 800 staff members outside just before the 9 a.m. start of hearings in the Milosevic case. Hearings in four other war crimes cases also were postponed.

Officials said the fire began in a deep fryer in the canteen and there was no suspicion it was intentional.

Milosevic"s legal adviser, Zdenko Tomanovic, told The Associated Press the former Yugoslav president was returned to his detention facility immediately after the alarm sounded.

As helmeted policemen went inside, a hydraulic ladder lifted three firefighters to a second-floor cafeteria window, witnesses said.

Tomato-based diet can lower cancer risk

WASHINGTON

A diet rich in tomato sauce, ketchup and other tomato-based products containing a powerful antioxidant can lower the risk of prostate cancer, a new study says.

Researchers analyzed the food choices and prostate cancer histories of more than 47,000 men and found those who ate at least two meals a week containing tomato products lowered their risk of prostate cancer by 24 to 36 percent.

Dr.