Soviets Heavily Deploy Armored Units Around Afghan Capital

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Soviet army deployed armored units around the Afghan capital today in what Western diplomats said was unusual strength, taking up positions at the radio station, a Soviet residential area and at key intersections.

The deployment was said to have been the strongest seen in recent times in Kabul except during the arrival of a high-level Kremlin delegation earlier this month.

The move came on the second day of a government-declared cease-fire and amid a strong public relations drive for national reconciliation.

It also followed several days in which diplomats in Kabul said the Soviet army had lowered its profile because of the arrival of about 50 foreign reporters flown in from Moscow. The visit is tied to the government’s peace campaign.

The reason for the Soviet deployment was not clear. Kabul-based diplomats said the Soviets might expect a move by anti-government guerrillas.

During an afternoon tour of the city, at least two dozen armored personnel carriers were seen around Kabul, most of their soldiers in helmets and flak jackets and with ammunition stacked ready for use. Some of the equipment and soldiers appeared dust-covered as if they had just come in from the road.