Russia may seal Tajik border

Russia yesterday said it was prepared to send planes, tanks and troops to seal off the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan after Islamic guerrillas staged their most forceful border raid to date, AFP reports from Moscow.

At least 100 civilians, 20 Russian border guards and two soldiers were killed during the attack launched on Tuesday by about 200 Tajik guerrillas, backed by Afghan mujahedin. The Muslim rebels oppose the pro-Communist government in Dushanbe.