Talks 'under way for Omar surrender'

Negotiations for the surrender of Taliban leader Mullah Omar are reportedly under way in southern Afghanistan.

A commander for the local Afghan intelligence chief says there are confirmed reports that Mullah Omar is hiding in Baghran.

Jamal Khan says Afghan military leaders have been negotiating for two days with Baghran's loya jirga, or grand council, of tribal leaders.

He said: "We have confirmed reports that Mullah Mohammed Omar is hiding somewhere in Baghran."

A major military operation involving US Marines and anti-Taliban soldiers began earlier this week.

American troops were dispatched from the Marine base at Kandahar airport to northern locations near Baghran to capture the Taliban leader.