Further strikes and Taliban defections

The latest salvos on the third night of US attacks on Afghanistan blasted the outskirts of Herat, near the Iranian border.

The airport was hit following unsuccessful cruise missile strikes in the area on Monday night, Afghan officials said.

In Kabul, Taliban gunners opened up with heavy bursts of anti-aircraft fire and the roar of jets could be heard overhead.

However, there was no immediate indication of any bombing.

Taliban radio has been off the air since strikes the previous night wrecked transmission facilities, and the power has been cut every evening as strikes begin.

The US also claims to have hit several terrorist training camps.

Meanwhile, there were reports of major defections from the Taliban - the Northern Alliance claimed about 40 commanders with 1,200 men had switched sides and joined them.

Alliance foreign minister, Abdullah Abdullah, said the defectors had closed the Baglan to Baiman road of Kabul to the Taliban.

There are also reports that US navy pilots were returning to their carrier in the Arabian Sea with unused bombs saying they were running out of targets.