US Marines have launched a mission to capture Mullah Mohammed Omar, according to Afghanistan’s interim prime minister.
 |
|
Mullah Omar |
Mr Hamid Karzai said the Taliban leader is believed to be hiding in mountains northwest of Kandahar.
"If he's there, he'll be arrested," Mr Karzai said. "We are determined to see him arrested."
Pentagon officials have confirmed a mission is in progress, but refused to comment further.
In southern Afghanistan, dozens of US forces were seen boarding CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters at their base in Kandahar, Omar's hometown and the Taliban's final stronghold in southern Afghanistan.
The helicopters, which can hold up to 25 soldiers each, took off toward the northwest just before sunset.
A B-52 bomber and fighter jet also could be seen heading in the same direction.
Afghan officials suspect Omar is in the Baghran area, a remote, mountainous region about 100 miles northwest of Kandahar.
A US intelligence official earlier said American officials also think Omar is probably there.
AP