Taliban will 'destroy US'

2001-11-15 12:14

London - Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar warned on Thursday of a "big" plan to destroy the United States which could happen within a short period of time, according to an interview on BBC radio.

In the interview, conducted in Pashto for BBC World Service radio, he also refused any co-operation with the formation of a new broad-based government in Kabul.

"The current situation of Afghanistan is related to a big cause - that is the destruction of America," he added.

"The plan is going ahead and God willing it is being implemented, but it is a huge task beyond the will and comprehension of human beings.

"If God's help is with us this will happen within a short period of time."

"Keep in mind this prediction."

He said the Taliban preferred death to taking part in what would be an evil government, saying the struggle for a broad-based regime had been going on for 20 years and nothing had come of it.

Asked about sweeping gains by opposition forces, which have seen them take the Afghan capital Kabul and a swathe of the north of the country, he said the Taliban still held their southern stronghold of Kandahar.

He also said it was unimportant how many provinces fell, as territory lost could be regained. - Sapa/AFP

- SAPA