The World - News from Dec. 23, 1987

Afghan guerrillas surrounding the city of Khost in eastern Afghanistan have repulsed Soviet reinforcements trying to break the siege, Western diplomats said in neighboring Pakistan. The guerrillas have besieged the city for several years, recently managing to cut off supplies for the Afghan soldiers based there. Soviet and Afghan troops launched a major effort in mid-December to break the siege, and diplomats said the eventual outcome is in doubt. Khost is 20 miles from the Pakistan border near key guerrilla supply routes.