Conflicting reports over bin Laden's whereabouts

A Taliban spokesman has denied claims that Osama bin Laden has left Afghanistan.

The regime's envoy to Pakistan had earlier claimed he'd gone to Pakistan with his wives and children.

Within hours, Abdul Salam Zaeef said bin Laden was still in Afghanistan.

The Sunday Times reports he said: "Osama is inside Afghanistan but I don't know whether he is in our territory or the area controlled by the Northern Alliance."

US defence secretary Donal Rumsfeld has warned bin Laden might have access to a helicopter that could try to leave Afghanistan.

The paper says America has imposed what it calls a "total picture" over the region, meaning a mixture of satellite, spy plane and special forces cover should enable it to trace any movement on the ground.