Security forces in tanks and on foot took up positions around the Afghan capital today to prevent a repeat of deadly anti-foreigner riots, the most widespread violence in the city since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

One French and 16 Afghan soldiers were killed and about 40 other troops were wounded in two firefights in southern Afghanistan, coalition and Afghan officials said today.

The largest military operation in the past four years against Taliban and al-Qaida militants has been completed in Afghanistan’s eastern mountains, US and Afghan officials said today.