TAJIK OPPOSITION SHOWS STRENGTH IN KARATEGIN.

In retaliation for the introduction of presidential guard checkpoints in the area, Tajik opposition fighters on October 24 captured 37 Interior Ministry troops near the district center Komsomolabad. The opposition demands an immediate withdrawal of those checkpoints as the main condition for releasing the prisoners. UN military observers are attempting to resolve the incident, which threatens the ceasefire in the strategic Karategin valley. (Interfax, Itar-Tass, October 24 through 27)

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