The London-based organization urged the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance, the United States and Britain to investigate the clashes within the Qala-i-Jhangi, a fort on the outskirts of Mazar-i-Sharif.

After negotiating a surrender, hundreds of foreign troops fighting with the Taliban were escorted from the town of Kunduz to the fort by the Northern Alliance last weekend.

The circumstances surrounding the fighting that followed were still not clear, although some prisoners are reported to have overpowered guards and seized firearms, according to Amnesty.

British and U.S. special forces were reported to have been involved in the fighting, including by directing U.S. air strikes, an Amnesty statement said.

It said an urgent inquiry should look into what triggered the violent incident, including any shortcomings in the holding and processing of prisoners, and into the response by Northern Alliance, U.S. and British forces.

``It should make urgent recommendations to ensure that other instances of surrender and holding of prisoners do not lead to similar disorders and loss of life,'' Amnesty said.

It should also ensure that the key role of the International Committee of the Red Cross in overseeing the processing and treatment of prisoners is facilitated.

``The outcome of this inquiry, and any disciplinary or other measures that may be taken against anyone found responsible for wrongdoing, should be made public,'' the statement concluded.

Copyright © 2001 Reuters Limited

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