“…the Taliban had persuaded Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to back them in another offensive to take the north [of Afghanistan]. The Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki al Faisal visited Kandahar in mid-June [1998], after which the Saudis provided the Taliban with 400 pick-up trucks and financial aid. Pakistan’s ISI [Inter-services Intelligence] had prepared a budget of some 2 billion rupees (US$5 million) for logistical support that was needed by the Taliban.” [The 15th of the month used for date sorting purposes only.]
– Ahmed Rashid, Taliban, Page 72