Sources in Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban movement say that Osama Bin Laden is still residing in territory under its control, denying reports that the Saudi dissident had fled a rumored US sudden attack on his base, the Eagle’s Nest.
Press reports over the past few days have claimed that Bin Laden relocated to an unknown destination after members of his Base organization were captured in India.
The Base members are allegedly tied to a plot to blow up the US Embassy to India. A Sudanese and an Indian have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the operation.
But at the same time, diplomatic sources told Albawaba.com that secret negotiations were underway between the Bush administration and Taliban aimed at expelling Bin Laden in exchange for US help in obtaining recognition for Taliban by the international community.
The sources said Taliban had proposed not handing over Bin Laden in order to maintain its international image as an adherent to Islamic teachings of hospitality and generosity.
The Eagle’s Nest, located in Afghanistan’s mountains, was attacked by US cruise missiles following the blasts at American embassies in Nairobi and Darussalam in 1998.
A US court last week convicted several people for their role in the twin explosions that killed 213 people. Including 12 Americans - Albawaba.com
