At least 50 people have been reported dead following a strong earthquake across central and south Asia last night.

US jets have blasted Taliban strongholds on Afghanistan's two main battle fronts.

Explosions jolted the strategic northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif early today as United States warplanes targeted areas near the front lines in strikes coordinated with anti-Taliban fighters, Afghans on both sides said.

US warplanes bombarded Taliban positions near a front line north of the capital of Kabul today, marking what could be the start of a more aggressive campaign on behalf of opposition forces fighting the Islamic regime.

US warplanes bombarded Taliban positions near a front line north of the capital of Kabul today, marking what could be the start of a more aggressive campaign on behalf of opposition forces fighting the Islamic regime.

Anti-aircraft fire crackled in the night sky over Kabul, signalling the start of a second night of attacks by the US and British coalition.