US brokers Afghanistan ceasefire

By Andrew North
BBC correspondent in Kabul

Tensions between warlords remain high in Western Afghanistan

Government officials from the US have helped broker a ceasefire between two rival militia commanders in western Afghanistan.

The pair have been involved in clashes in recent days.

Earlier on Tuesday forces supporting Commander Amanullah were reported to have moved within 20km (12 miles) of the city of Herat.

They are believed to have overpowered troops controlled by the provincial governor, Ismail Khan.

US warplanes were deployed over the scene of the fighting south of Herat, which reportedly involved tanks and artillery.

Businesses closed

Local officials and residents in Herat described a tense atmosphere as news filtered through of Commander Amanullah's advance.

Shops and businesses closed, and foreign workers were told to stay in their compounds.

Soldiers and militiamen supporting the governor were deployed across the city.

The American military has also sent extra forces to the region.

The situation has calmed down for the moment with reports that a US-brokered ceasefire is holding.

American troops and officials are directly involved on the ground in negotiations, working with Afghan National Army units who are with both sides.

But the tension goes back to last weekend when Commander Amanullah took control of an air base south of Herat, and concerns remain that the clashes could erupt again.

Some international organisations in the city are reported to be considering evacuating non-essential staff.