The United Nations says an aid convoy is due to cross the frontlines in Afghanistan on Thursday, bound for the central highlands.

The UN said about six-hundred tons of wheat is destined for the opposition-held territory of Hazarajat, while another convoy would go to a Taleban enclave, the Ghorband valley.

The trucks are setting off three weeks after the Taleban announced they would lift their blockade of Hazarajat, where tens of thousands of people are in urgent need of food.

The Taleban had said they were worried that opposition fighters would take the wheat for themselves.

UN monitors are to travel with the trucks, to make sure all the aid goes to civilians.