US and British intelligence have a "pretty good idea" where Osama bin Laden, the world's most wanted suspect, is located, Britain's Guardian newspaper reported Tuesday, citing well-placed sources.
It said he had been spotted in the Afghan capital Kabul last week, although the paper did not specify how that information came to light.
Bin Laden is the chief suspect for the September 11 terrorist atrocities in the United States, and pinning him down would make his capture more feasible, reducing the pressure for military action.
The Guardian suggested intelligence agencies have a clearer picture of his movements and where he is than previously admitted.
On Sunday, Afghanistan's ruling Taliban said Bin Laden was being held in a secret location for his own security, after last week saying they did not know where he was.
The Guardian said it was unclear if Bin Laden's reported presence in Kabul was spotted by a US spy satellite or from a tip-off, possibly from Pakistan's ISI intelligence service.
Pakistan has close ties with the Taliban, but has appeared over recent days to be distancing itself from the Islamic regime.
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf told the BBC Monday that the Taliban's days seemed numbered, saying his country was "re-evaluating" its relationship with it.
US special forces are already conducting scouting missions in Afghanistan, Washington has admitted -- LONDON (AFP)
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
