US planes bombs Kabul

American warplanes have been dropping bombs on the outskirts of the Afghan capital, Kabul.

The move comes following a key opposition victory against the ruling Taliban.

The Northern Alliance has threatened to launch a major attack on Kabul within days.

Heavy US bombing overnight appeared designed to soften up positions of the Islamic militia ahead of any advance. Taliban forces are said to have retreated toward Kabul after losing the city of Mazar-e-Sharif.

Opposition forces also claim to have seized three provincial capitals in what may signal the collapse of the Taliban's rule in the north.