Northern Alliance offensive to start 'within five days'

The Northern Alliance expects to launch a major offensive against the Taliban within five days.

It will include an assault on Kabul, claims the brother of the alliance's assassinated leader Ahmad Shah Masood.

Ahmad Ziah Masood, a member of the group's senior council, said a decision was likely to be taken shortly.

He also said US and British ground forces were not needed in the country.

Mr Masood said: "Every day the Americans are bombing the front line, and now we should do something.

"I hope that in the next few days a final decision will be taken and an offensive on Kabul started as soon as possible.

"We have enough soldiers ourselves. There is no need for American soldiers here - just more bombing."

Up to 10,000 opposition troops are available to march towards Kabul, added Mr Masood.