Low-rank officials reported killed in Afghan infighting

Assassination squads and gun battles in Kabul, the Afghan capital, claimed more than 70 low-ranking officials last week during feuding between two rival factions of Afghanistan's leading political party, according to diplomatic reports reaching here Tuesday. Western diplomats in Kabul said more than 10 workers from the Khalq (masses) and Parcham (flag) factions of the People's Democratic Party had been killed each night.

The diplomats also reported that the increase in heavy Soviet and Afghan military air traffic, begun at the start of June, was continuing.