Afghans 'prepare for holy war' as bin Laden decision looms

Afghans are again being told to be ready for holy war against the United States, according to the Taliban's news agency.

On Saturday, the leader of Afghanistan's Taliban regime warned Muslims across the world to be ready for a holy war to defend the Islamic faith.

Mullah Mohammad Omar says a grand council of Islamic clerics will meet to decide Osama bin Laden's fate today.

The agency says throughout Afghanistan, Taliban leaders are sending a message to their people: "Stay united and prepare for jehad against US invaders."

Taliban leaders says bin Laden has been wrongly implicated in the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

"The accusations against Osama bin Laden are baseless and a pretext to attack Afghanistan," reports the state-run news agency.

The council of clerics will take the final decision on whether to hand over the prime suspect.

They have already refused to hand over bin Laden following a meeting with Pakistan officials.

Speaking on the Taliban Voice of Shariat Radio on Saturday, Mr Omar urged Afghans to prepare for a US assault and stand steadfast against the enemy.

He said all Muslims should defend Afghanistan and should be ready for anything to make a sacrifice for Islam.

Around 25,000 Taliban fighters have reportedly taken up positions near the Khyber Pass, on the main route between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The United States is expected to attack Afghanistan from Pakistan in retaliation for last week’s attacks in New York and Washington.