The authorities in Kyrgyzstan say an Iranian train loaded with ammunition which was intercepted earlier this month will be sent back to Iran.

The Kyrgyz authorities said the train was loaded with mortar bombs, grenades and anti-tank mines and was bound for Afghanistan's anti-Taleban forces, headed by Ahmad Shah Massoud.

The train was intercepted on October 10, in the south of the country, following a long journey through Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.