The return of exiledopposition leader Karim Khalili from Iran prompts a new offensive by the Northern Alliance in north-central Afghanistan. The governing Talibanregime admits it has temporarily lost control of the central town of Yakawlang, near Bamiyan, but denies opposition claims of further gains in neighbouring Ghowr province.
Fearing a violent response to a UN resolution tightening international sanctions against the Taliban regime, non-Afghan UN staff are gradually withdrawn from the country.
