Afghanistan 'prepares for imminent attack'

Afghanistan's ruling Taliban militia is reportedly bracing itself for an imminent US attack.

Its top leader has been sent into hiding and artillery batteries, aircraft and other weapons have been made ready.

Afghanistan has provided a safe haven for reputed terrorist Osama bin Laden who is being linked with the US terror attacks.

The Washington Post, reporting Pakistani intelligence sources, says the radical Islamic movement's top leader, Mohammad Omar, has left his headquarters and is now in hiding.

A senior security official in Quetta, Pakistan, near the Afghanistan border told the newspaper: "We have definite reports that the Taliban are now preparing to meet a major US military onslaught.

"There is a warlike situation inside the Taliban military installations inside Afghanistan."

The Taliban have again denied bin Laden was behind the attacks which destroyed the World Trade Centre and damaged the Pentagon.

US officials say they have evidence linking bin Laden to Tuesday's attacks.

Meanwhile, members of the National Akali Dal have burnt an effigy of bin Laden near the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

They are demanding the extradition of the terrorist, who they say is being provided shelter by Islamic nations.