Terrorism largely beaten in Afghanistan

United States forces today intensified their hunt for Osama bin Laden, even as Afghanistan’s interim prime minister declared that terrorism had been ‘‘largely’’ beaten in his war-ravaged country.

Following a brief rest over Christmas, US forces were going back into the caves of the Tora Bora area of eastern Afghanistan to search for clues as to bin Laden’s whereabouts.

Up to 500 Marines may be drafted in to scour the caves, which were the last major stronghold of bin Laden’s al-Qaida terrorist network in Afghanistan until a combination of relentless US bombing and ground attacks by tribal fighters and American special forces drove the guerillas out more than a week ago.

Since then nothing has been heard of the Saudi-born militant, the prime suspect in the September 11 attacks on the United States.

Coalition sources have said it is ‘‘quite possible’’ bin Laden was killed in the onslaught on Tora Bora.

But they acknowledge they are not sure about his fate, and there are suspicions he may have fled Afghanistan, possibly into neighbouring Pakistan.

Today, less than three months after the US-led coalition began military strikes, Afghanistan’s interim premier Hamid Karzai, speaking after a meeting of the interim cabinet, said he believed most of the terrorists who sheltered in the country under the previous Taliban regime were gone.

‘‘Some may be still here, but I don’t think they are in large numbers. I think that terrorism is largely defeated in Afghanistan,’’ said Mr Karzai.

Mr Karzai said his interim government would do what it could to track down bin Laden, and Mullah Mohammed Omar, the Taliban leader.

‘‘There are remnants in the form of individuals or small groups. Those should be looked for and arrested and put to trial,’’ Mr Karzai said.

Although he could not say where Omar was hiding, Mr Karzai believed he was still in Afghanistan, probably in the south-west of the country.

Bin Laden’s whereabouts remain a mystery. ‘‘With regards to Osama bin Laden I don’t know where he is,’’ Mr Karzai said.

‘‘We receive reports now and then that he may be here or there, and if we get a detailed report about his whereabouts, we will certainly go after him and arrest him.’’

Acceptance of bin Laden’s culpability for the events of September 11 appears to be growing in the Middle East.

In the first official Egyptian reaction, the police minister said the recently-released videotape in which bin Laden was shown rejoicing over the attacks amounts to his ‘‘complete confession’’.

‘‘This tape is a clear and complete implication of Osama bin Laden, contrary to what he had said earlier about having nothing to do with the attacks,’’ interior minister Habib el-Adly was quoted as telling al-Mussawar weekly in an interview.

Meanwhile in Kabul, Royal Marines spokesman Captain Andy Mason said the British troops in the Afghan capital were patrolling the streets from early morning until nightfall.

‘‘Things are fairly quiet. The people are being friendly towards the forces who are driving around. Everything seems fairly calm,’’ said Capt Mason.

As well as patrolling the streets, the 200-strong British force was working to repair the runway at Bagram airport, which was badly damaged by US bombing during the initial phase of the Afghan campaign.

They were also trying to identify a suitable headquarters for the multinational security force with a sports stadium near the American Embassy and the international airport itself the most likely locations.

Capt Mason said it could be about two to two-and-a-half weeks before the multinational force, likely to consist of 4,500 to 6,000 personnel, begins to arrive in Kabul.

When it does arrive the lead role will fall initially to the 1,500-strong British contingent, made up largely of paratroopers from 16 Air Assault Brigade.