Afghans to storm 'Mullah's hideout'

Afghan forces hunting fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar gathered in southern Afghanistan today to march on a mountain village where he is believed to be holed up.

The intelligence chief in the former Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, Haji Gullalai, said yesterday that as many as 2,000 fighters were closing in on Mullah Omar and the Taliban fighters who may be protecting him.

"We have two goals: to disarm irresponsible people and to get Omar, who is a criminal for the Afghan people and the whole world," said Mr Gullalai.

Mullah Omar, second only to Osama bin Laden on Washington's wanted list, is thought to be in a village near the town of Baghran in Helmand province, 100 miles northwest of Kandahar. US Central Command said its marines in Helmand province are not directly taking part in the hunt for Mullah Omar.