The Tajik Government said it supported the US-led attacks and is willing to allow the US air force to use its airspace and, if necessary, airfields.

US airfield personneal are already at two airfields, which have not been identified, according to a report from the Russian news agency, Itar-Tass.

Tajikistan has joined Russia in making a joint statement with the Northern Alliance pledging to find a political solution in Afghanistan.