Fighting in Afghanistan moves closer to Tajik border

DUSHANBE, February 1 (Itar-Tass) -- Intensive gun duels between the Northern Alliance troops and the Taliban forces are going on in Afghanistan in direct proximity to the border with Tajikistan.

According to Russian border guards, the local battles in which firearms and artillery are used have been on in the border areas of Afghanistan since last Wednesday, their intensity being particularly great on the other side of the Tajik border stretch guarded by the Pyanj border detachment.

Further concern is evoked by the fact that major camps of Afghan refugees are located close to the areas of combat on the islands of border River Pyanj.