Former King will be killed if he returns, say Taliban

The head of the Taliban predicts Afghanistan's former King will be killed if he returns from exile to lead a government.

Zahir Shah was ousted in a 1973 coup but has now emerged as a potential leader of a post-Taliban coalition.

Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar says its supporters will fight on and attack Americans even if the regime is overthrown.

A British newspaper quotes Mullah Omar as saying in a radio interview: "Don't be mistaken. People will come after you and kill you."

"Taliban are an organised force. Theirs is not a government like that of Zahir Shah, whose government was overthrown and whose forces surrendered. If the Taliban is toppled they will retreat to the mountains. How will he rule then? How will he survive?"

The King's supporters and members of the Northern Alliance opposition have agreed to form a supreme council for the national unity of Afghanistan.