AN American construction worker detained in Pakistan while reportedly on a solo mission to kill Osama bin Laden claimed yesterday that he was obeying an order from God to avenge the September 11 attacks, said Pakistani officials.

The co-owner of a catering company that organised events for the US Embassy is among six men detained by Pakistan for allegedly helping the failed Times Square bombing suspect, a senior Pakistani intelligence official said.

Five young Americans captured in Pakistan were being questioned today for possible links to terror groups after their families found a disturbing farewell video saying that Muslims must be defended.