Fragile calm in protest-hit Herat

The curfew was ordered by the city's army commander

An overnight curfew has helped restore calm in the Afghan city of Herat following violent clashes over the sacking of former governor Ismail Khan.

At least seven people were killed and the local UN offices set on fire when hundreds took to the streets in anger at the removal of the local ruler.

The UN has said it plans to withdraw most of its staff from the city.

A BBC correspondent in Herat says the tension remains and it is not entirely clear who is now in charge in the city.

UN staff had to be helped to safety by US and government troops after hundreds of demonstrators descended on their offices.

They ransacked the compound - which houses the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the UN Assistance Mission - setting fire to parts of the buildings and throwing stones.

Troops tried to keep back the crowds with tear gas.

Witnesses reported bursts of gunfire as smoke from burning cars and other wreckage rose over the centre of Herat.

At least 60 people, including 15 US troops, were reportedly wounded.

Appeal

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan condemned the attack, adding that that the UN remained committed to providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance in Afghanistan.

He also called on all concerned, including Afghan and international security forces, to help create a safe environment for Afghanistan's election, due on 9 October.

Ismail Khan himself appealed to his supporters to stay calm.

"I hope with patience, tolerance and a single aim you ensure security, peace and stability of your country and be tolerant," he said.

"Reshuffling and changes in a government are a normal thing."

Herat TV broadcast an official announcement from the city's army commander ordering a night curfew.

The commander banned all gatherings, but ordering all military servicemen and civil servants to work on Monday.

'Power play'

It is not a good start for Afghan President Hamid Karzai's long-planned move to replace Ismail Khan as governor, says the BBC's Andrew North in Herat.

Despite bringing in large numbers of Afghan and US troops to bolster security ahead of the announcement, he was unable to stop supporters going on the rampage.

He was also forced to turn to the former instead of the new governor to appeal for calm, our correspondent adds.

Mr Khan, one of the best-known former mujahideen leaders, had ruled Herat for decades and has resisted the president's authority.

Mr Karzai's decision to replace him with Mohammed Khair Khuwa has been seen as an attempt to strengthen his position ahead of the historic October elections.

Protesters in Herat chanted "death to Karzai, death to Americans", and eyewitnesses said framed pictures of President Karzai were smashed in the street.