11.   Earlier the opposition claimed to have cut a key supply route to neighboring Jozjan province, a claim the Taliban denied.

12.   Elsewhere, angry Macedonians kept up two blockades of border crossings with neighboring Kosovo province, protesting the NATO troop arrival.

13.   Forces of the ousted Afghan government have reportedly retaken the strategic Noor Pass in neighboring Kunar province.

14.   Forces of the ousted Afghan government had reportedly retaken the strategic Noor Pass in neighboring Kunar province Wednesday.

15.   He spoke from the town of Dar el-Yusuf, in neighboring Samangan province, where there was heavy fighting Monday.

16.   Heavy fighting has been reported in northern Takhar province and in neighboring Kunduz province.

17.   In addition, the country has become a base for international drug and arms smuggling and for ethnic Albanians fighting for independence in neighboring Kosovo province.

18.   In addition, thousands of ethnic Albanians from neighboring Kosovo province have streamed across the border to escape fighting between Serb forces and secessionist rebels.

19.   It said nine other pilgrims were killed in a clash in neighboring Hilla province when they tried to leave to Karbala.

20.   Meanwhile, the Taliban attacked the district of Dasht-e-Archi in Takhar province from neighboring Kunduz province, he said.