Shells explode on Tajik-Afghan border

Russian border troops stationed in Tajikistan say several shells have exploded on Tajik territory during fighting in neighbouring Afghanistan between Taleban forces and the opposition northern alliance.

Russian forces which patrol the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan say most of the shells landed on or near the river Pianj between the two countries.

Last month Russian border units in Tajikistan were placed on high alert following what they described as an increase in fighting between the warring factions in Afghanistan.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service