US tells UN it may attack other countries

The US has told the United Nations it may attack other countries in its campaign against terrorism.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, currently being chaired by Ireland, America said it and Britain had launched attacks on Afghanistan under the part of the UN Charter allowing self-defence.

It said its target was the al-Qaida terrorist network.

In the letter, America's ambassador to the UN, John Negroponte, said there may be more action elsewhere.

"We may find that our self-defence requires further actions with respect to other organisations and other states," Mr Negroponte wrote.

The ambassador said the investigation into the September 11 attacks "has obtained clear and compelling information that the al-Qaida organisation, which is supported by the Taliban, had a central role in the attacks".

But it added: "There is still much we do not know. Our inquiry is in its early stages."

And at the White House, spokesman Air Fleischer confirmed the letter had been sent, but refused to elaborate on what other states may become targets.

"The letter speaks for itself," he said. "If you are asking me to provide a list of other states, I decline to do that."