Afghan governor ouster sparks protests

HERAT, Afghanistan, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. and Afghan troops used tear gas Sunday to control crowds after supporters of the fired governor of the city of Herat set U.N. offices on fire.

Ismail Khan, who ruled Herat for decades and resisted the Afghan president's authority, was replaced Saturday by Mohammed Khair Khuwa.

During the second day of unrest in Herat, hundreds of protesters ransacked the U.N. compound Sunday, setting fire to the buildings and throwing stones, the BBC reported.

There were unconfirmed reports that seven supporters of Khan were killed during Sunday clashes with U.S. and Afghan government troops.

Khan had declined a lower profile ministerial post offered by the president.