At least eight people were shot to death in clashes between Islamist fighters from Afghanistan and border guards from Tajikistan, authorities in the Tajik capital Dushanbe said Saturday, dpa reported.
Seven of the victims were fighters affiliated with the Taliban and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. One Tajik border guard was also among the dead.
The Afghan terrorists had been fleeing from United States and NATO troops, Tajik border officials said.
Large amounts of weapons and Islamist combat publications were seized after the gunfight, which took place along the Panj river on the border between southern Tajikistan and northern Afghanistan.