21.  Muslim opposition units, mostly based in Afghanistan, are a constant challenge to the central Tajik government in Dushanbe, which is backed by thousands of Russian troops.

22.  Nor did they meet with an outlawed Muslim opposition party, the Islamic Salvation Front.

23.  Nor did they meet with an outlawed Muslim opposition party.

24.  Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed concern Friday over fighting between the Tajikistan government and Muslim opposition forces and urged the two sides to halt the conflict.

25.  Russian servicemen in Dushanbe have often been targeted by radical Muslim opposition fighters, but attacks on civilians have been rarer.

26.  Russian servicemen in Dushanbe and elsewhere often are targeted by radical Muslim opposition members.

27.  Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov is due to meet the Muslim opposition leader, Said Abdullo Nuri, in northern Afghanistan later this month.

28.  Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov is due to meet with the Muslim opposition leader, Said Abdullo Nuri, in northern Afghanistan later this month.

29.  The attack is one of the most violent since the government and mostly Muslim opposition in this former Soviet republic ended a five-year civil war last summer.

30.  Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov and Muslim opposition leaders met Saturday in the Kyrgyz capital to discuss a political protocol meant to advance peace in the restive republic.