'We know where bin Laden is' - Northern Alliance

The anti-Taliban alliance in northern Afghanistan claims it knows where Osama bin Laden is hiding an expected US attacks to start within days.

Northern alliance spokesman Dr Abdullah, who uses only one name, said representatives of the United States and the alliance had been having ‘‘regular and daily meetings’’ outside Afghanistan but declined to provide further details.

They have discussed ‘‘all aspects’’ of co-operation in their latest meetings and the ‘‘results were good,’’ Abdullah said.

Abdullah, in northern Afghanistan, said the alliance knew exactly where Osama bin Laden was hiding but that he would not provide this information to reporters. He also said he thought a US led attack would take place in ‘‘a matter of days.’’

In addition to refugees fleeing Taliban-controlled areas, Abdullah reported large-scale defections from Taliban forces to the northern alliance.

With regard to the fate of the Afghan capital, Kabul, Abdullah reiterated earlier opposition claims that taking the city was not their primary goal.

He said he believed that a popular uprising in the city might take place against the ruling Taliban.

However, he indicated that he expected the Taliban to be overthrown and said that when the northern alliance takes control of Afghanistan it intended to try the Taliban for war crimes.

He also said the opposition would not object to having Taliban leaders delivered to an international war crimes tribunal and tried outside of Afghanistan.

The alliance expects fresh arms deliveries from Russia and Iran and desperately needs humanitarian aid to cope with a flood of refugees fleeing

Taliban-controlled areas.

‘‘The Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran have been supportive in the past and have confirmed their commitments,’’ said Abdullah

Asked just what the opposition needs, Abdullah replied: ‘‘It’s a war and we need everything that is needed in a war.’’ He said the northern alliance expected unconditional support from those nations that agree to help.

Abdullah said the opposition is expecting huge loads of humanitarian aid as well and needs as much as possible.

‘‘There is a big influx of refugees from Taliban-controlled areas and if we don’t receive humanitarian aid in the coming days it will be difficult for them to survive once the winter sets in,’’ Abdullah said.

Cold weather, rain and snow can be expected in Afghanistan in the coming weeks.